German word

schmunzeln

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʃmʊnt͡səln/

Meaning

  • verbsmile to oneself

Example

Ich schmunzle, wenn ich die Nachricht lese.

I smile to myself when I read the message.

Illustration for schmunzeln (smile to oneself)

More examples

Er schmunzelt schelmisch, als er die Pointe versteht.

He smiles mischievously when he understands the punchline.

Core concept

A quiet, contained laugh shows through a small smile, suggesting personal amusement rather than open laughter.

Common phrases

  • schelmisch schmunzeln

    smile mischievously

  • im Gespräch schmunzeln

    smile to oneself in conversation

  • auf eine Bemerkung schmunzeln

    smile to oneself at a remark

Similar words

lachen: An intense laugh is audible and may involve pronounced movement of the torso.
lächeln: A soundless smile gives the face a mild, warm, and relaxed appearance.
grinsen: A conspicuous grin stretches across the face and may bare the teeth.
kichern: Small, high-pitched laughs come in quick bursts with a slightly fidgety air.

Definition in German

zurückhaltend lächeln oder leise lachen, oft mit verschmitzter oder ironischer Nuance.

Word origin

The German verb comes from the older form smunzen, recorded in Middle High German, and later took the ending -eln.

Usage tips

  • Schmunzeln is usually gentler than English 'smirk', which often suggests contempt or self-satisfaction; it can also express mild irony.

Other meanings

  • chuckleverb
  • grinverb

Opposites

  • stirnrunzelnfrownverb

Related words

  • schmunzelndsmiling to oneselfadjective

Word lists with this word