die Andeutung
hint
An indirect clue or hidden remark that suggests something without saying it directly.
EXAMPLE
Er machte nur vage Andeutungen über seine Zukunftspläne.
He made only vague hints about his plans for the future.
die Andeutung
hint / trace
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
die Andeutung
trace
A barely perceptible touch or faint trace of something.
EXAMPLE
Selbst in dieser schwierigen Situation war eine Andeutung von einem Lächeln auf ihrem Gesicht zu sehen.
Even in this difficult situation, a trace of a smile could be seen on her face.
Usage tips
Word family
'Die Andeutung' (hint) is the noun formed from the verb 'andeuten' (to hint at). 'Andeuten' means to say or show something indirectly. If you know the verb, you will also understand the noun.
EXAMPLE
Er deutete an, dass er bald kündigen möchte.
He hinted that he would like to resign soon.
Typical collocations
The typical verb used with 'Andeutung' (hint) is 'machen' (to make). You 'macht eine Andeutung' (make a hint). It is often described more specifically with adjectives such as 'vage' (vague), 'leise' (subtle), or 'vorsichtig' (cautious).
EXAMPLE
Sie machte nur eine vage Andeutung, dass sie Probleme hat.
She made only a vague hint that she was having problems.
Sentence structure and usage pattern
In the meaning 'schwache Spur' (faint trace), 'Andeutung' is almost always used with the preposition 'von' (of). The structure is: 'eine Andeutung von + noun' (a trace of + noun).
EXAMPLE
Der Himmel zeigte nur eine Andeutung von Morgenrot.
The sky showed only a trace of dawn red.
Compare with
Andeutung vs Hinweis
hint / notice
Both words can draw attention to something connected with a solution or a problem. A Hinweis conveys the information relatively openly; an Andeutung only suggests it indirectly without stating it completely. Use “Hinweis” for clear guidance and “Andeutung” for a cautious or hidden message.
Andeutung
Der Lehrer machte eine Andeutung zur Lösung, ohne sie direkt auszusprechen.
The teacher hinted at the solution without stating it directly.
Hinweis
Der Lehrer gab uns einen Hinweis auf die richtige Lösung.
The teacher gave us a hint about the correct solution.
In real life
Loading video examples...