clue / anchor point
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clue
An initial clue or piece of information that helps with solving a problem, an investigation, or a search.
Die Polizei hat noch keine Anhaltspunkte, wer der Täter sein könnte.
The police still have no clues as to who the perpetrator might be.
anchor point
A physical point where you can hold on or attach something. This meaning is rarer and often technical in nature.
Der Bergsteiger suchte nach einem sicheren Anhaltspunkt für sein Seil.
The mountaineer looked for a secure anchor point for his rope.
The word consists of 'Anhalt' and 'Punkt' (point). 'Anhalt' comes from the verb 'anhalten' in the sense of 'sich festhalten' (to hold on). So an 'Anhaltspunkt' is literally a point where you can hold on—whether in an investigation or on a rock face.
Jede kleine Information kann ein wichtiger Anhaltspunkt sein.
Every small piece of information can be an important clue.
In the context of investigations or searches, 'Anhaltspunkt' is often combined with verbs like 'haben' (to have), 'finden' (to find), 'liefern' (to provide), or 'geben' (to give). It is often used in the plural.
Ein Zeuge konnte der Polizei entscheidende Anhaltspunkte liefern.
A witness was able to provide the police with crucial clues.
To say what the clue refers to, the preposition 'für' (for) followed by the accusative is used very often. So you have 'Anhaltspunkte für etwas' (clues for something).
Gibt es irgendwelche Anhaltspunkte für seinen Aufenthaltsort?
Are there any clues as to his whereabouts?
The literal meaning of a physical holding point is rare and is mainly used in specialized language, for example in climbing or construction.
Der Kletterer prüfte den Felsen auf sichere Anhaltspunkte.
The climber checked the rock for secure anchor points.
hint / notice
A Hinweis is often information that someone explicitly provides to help with a search or solution. An Anhaltspunkt is more of a clue or observation from which you draw your own conclusion. This distinction is typical, but it is not mandatory in every case.
Frische Reifenspuren waren für die Polizei ein Anhaltspunkt dafür, dass der vermisste Wagen am Bahnhof gewesen war.
Fresh tire tracks were an Anhaltspunkt for the police that the missing car had been at the train station.
Eine Nachbarin gab der Polizei den Hinweis, dass der vermisste Wagen am Bahnhof stand.
A neighbor gave the police the Hinweis that the missing car was at the train station.
