01
blinken
to flash
A repeated, brief lighting up and going out of a light.
example
Die Warnleuchte am Armaturenbrett begann rot zu blinken.
The warning light on the dashboard began to flash red.
blinken
to flash / indicate
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Common mistake
The verb 'blinken' (to flash) is used only for light sources, not for the movement of the eyes. When eyes quickly close and open, German uses a different verb.
EXAMPLE
Die Sterne blinkten am Nachthimmel.
The stars flashed in the night sky.
Context clues
The exact meaning of 'blinken' (to flash / indicate) depends heavily on the context. In road traffic, it refers to the turn signal. With technical devices, it is a warning or status signal. In poetic language, it describes the shimmering of surfaces.
EXAMPLE
Bitte blinke, bevor du die Spur wechselst.
Please indicate before you change lanes.
Typical collocations
In the context of driving, 'blinken' (to indicate) is very often combined with a direction. The most common phrases are 'rechts blinken' (to indicate right) and 'links blinken' (to indicate left).
EXAMPLE
Der Fahrer vor mir hat nicht geblinkt und ist einfach abgebogen.
The driver in front of me didn’t indicate and just turned.
Typical collocations
In the meaning of 'schimmern' (to shimmer), 'blinken' (to gleam) is often connected with a light source or a reflective place. Typical formulations are 'in der Sonne blinken' (to gleam in the sun) or 'im Licht blinken' (to gleam in the light).
EXAMPLE
Der frisch gefallene Schnee blinkte in der Morgensonne.
The freshly fallen snow gleamed in the morning sun.
Compare with
blinken vs anzeigen
to report / display / advertise
'anzeigen' and 'blinken' can both communicate something, especially with technology or in traffic. 'anzeigen' is more general: a device, symbol, or screen makes information visible. 'blinken', on the other hand, describes a light that briefly turns on and off again and again. In a car, 'blinken' can also mean using the turn signal to indicate a direction. Learners may confuse the words because a flashing light often displays information. The key point is: 'anzeigen' refers to the information, while 'blinken' refers to the way the light behaves or to signaling while driving.
blinken
Vor der Kreuzung hat der Fahrer rechtzeitig geblinkt.
Before the intersection, the driver indicated in good time.
anzeigen
Am Bahnhof zeigt die Tafel die Verspätung des Zuges an.
At the train station, the board displays the train's delay.
In real life
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