01
blind
The inability to see; without sight.
example
Seit einem Unfall ist er auf dem rechten Auge blind.
Since an accident, he has been blind in his right eye.
blind
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Sentence structure and use
In the literal meaning, 'blind' (blind) is often used with prepositions to specify the situation. Typical constructions are 'blind auf einem Auge' (blind in one eye) or 'von Geburt an blind' (blind from birth).
EXAMPLE
Mein Großvater ist auf dem linken Auge blind.
My grandfather is blind in his left eye.
Sentence structure: 'blind vor'
To express that someone does not see something obvious because of a strong emotion, German uses the construction 'blind vor' + dative. Typical examples are 'blind vor Liebe' (blind with love), 'blind vor Wut' (blind with rage), or 'blind vor Eifersucht' (blind with jealousy).
EXAMPLE
Er war blind vor Wut und schrie alle an.
He was blind with rage and shouted at everyone.
Typical collocations
In the figurative meaning 'unkritisch' (uncritical), 'blind' (blind) appears as an adjective before abstract nouns. Common combinations are 'blindes Vertrauen' (blind trust), 'blinder Gehorsam' (blind obedience), or 'blinder Aktionismus' (blind activism).
EXAMPLE
Du solltest ihm kein blindes Vertrauen schenken.
You shouldn't place blind trust in him.
Adverbial use
When 'blind' (blind) describes an action performed without looking, it functions like an adverb. It then remains unchanged after the verb.
EXAMPLE
Ein guter Koch kann die Zutaten für eine Soße blind herausschmecken.
A good cook can identify the ingredients for a sauce blind.
Dull surfaces
When a reflective or transparent surface becomes dull, you can say it 'wird blind' (becomes clouded/dull). This is often used for mirrors, glass, or metal.
EXAMPLE
Die Fensterscheiben im alten Haus sind über die Jahre blind geworden.
The windowpanes in the old house have become clouded over the years.
Fixed expression
The expression 'blinder Alarm' (false alarm) is a fixed expression. It refers to an alarm that was triggered even though there was no danger.
EXAMPLE
Der Rauchmelder ging an, aber es war zum Glück nur ein blinder Alarm.
The smoke detector went off, but luckily it was only a false alarm.
Compare with
blind vs kritisch
critical
'kritisch' and 'blind' are opposites here. 'kritisch' means that you examine something, ask questions, and do not immediately believe everything. It can also mean that you have objections. In this figurative use, 'blind' means that someone accepts something without examination or criticism. Typical expressions are 'blindes Vertrauen' (blind trust) or 'blinder Gehorsam' (blind obedience). Someone who is 'kritisch' takes a close look; someone who trusts blindly does not examine things enough.
blind
Wir unterschreiben den Plan nicht blind, sondern prüfen zuerst die Zahlen.
We are not signing the plan blindly; we are checking the figures first.
kritisch
Vor dem Termin liest er den Vertrag kritisch durch.
Before the appointment, he reads through the contract critically.
In real life
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