German word

lächeln

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈlɛçl̩n/

Meaning

  • verbsmile

Example

Das Baby lächelte.

The baby smiled.

Illustration for lächeln (smile)

More examples

Er lächelte verlegen, als er das Geschenk bekam.

He smiled sheepishly when he received the gift.

Core concept

A small, quiet facial expression that signals warmth, pleasure, or amusement.

Common phrases

  • verlegen lächeln

    smile sheepishly

  • freundlich lächeln

    smile amiably

  • zur Begrüßung lächeln

    smile in greeting

Similar words

anlächeln: Direct a friendly smile toward someone as a sign of warmth or goodwill.
grinsen: Give a broad, toothy smile with a somewhat playful character.
schmunzeln: Wear a quiet, restrained smile that reveals private amusement.
lachen: Express strong amusement or enjoyment through loud laughter.

Definition in German

Die Mundwinkel leicht heben, um freundlich oder zufrieden zu wirken.

Word origin

Lächeln developed from lachen with the suffix -eln, which forms a smaller or gentler version of an action.

Usage tips

  • For smiling at a person, German commonly uses separable anlächeln with an accusative object, as in Sie lächelt ihn an.

Opposites

  • schmollensulkverb
  • weinencryverb

Related words

  • das Lächelnsmilenoun
  • lächelndsmilingadjective
  • anlächelnsmile at ___verb

Word lists with this word