grin
das Grinsen
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grin
A broad, often mocking or smug-looking smile in which the teeth may be visible.
Sein Grinsen verriet, dass er die ganze Zeit von dem Streich gewusst hatte.
His grin revealed that he had known about the prank the whole time.
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| genitive | des Grinsens |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Grinsen | – |
| accusative | das Grinsen | – |
| dative | dem Grinsen | – |
| genitive | des Grinsens | – |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
'Das Grinsen' (the grin) belongs to the word family of the verb 'grinsen' (to grin). The noun refers to the visible facial expression or the act as a whole, often in fixed combinations with verbs such as 'haben' (to have) or 'unterdrücken' (to suppress).
Sie konnte sich beim Anblick des überraschten Gesichts ein Grinsen nicht verkneifen.
She couldn't hold back a grin when she saw the surprised look on his face.
Common combinations include 'ein breites Grinsen' (a broad grin), 'ein zufriedenes Grinsen' (a satisfied grin), 'ein spöttisches Grinsen' (a mocking grin), and 'ein Grinsen unterdrücken' (to suppress a grin). An adjective often describes the effect or occasion of the facial expression.
Nach dem gelungenen Streich setzte er ein zufriedenes Grinsen auf.
After the successful prank, he put on a satisfied grin.
'Das Grinsen' (the grin) is often used with a location phrase such as 'im Gesicht' (on one's face) when the visible expression is being emphasized. An addition with 'über' (about) can show what someone is amused by or making fun of.
Mit einem breiten Grinsen im Gesicht kam er zur Tür herein.
He came through the door with a broad grin on his face.
Sein Grinsen über den misslungenen Versuch machte die Kollegin wütend.
His grin at the failed attempt made his colleague angry.
