flink
quick / nimble
Moving quickly, skillfully, and nimbly.
EXAMPLE
Das flinke Eichhörnchen kletterte in Sekundenschnelle den Baum hinauf.
The nimble squirrel climbed up the tree in seconds.
flink
quick
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
flink
quick-witted
Quick in thinking and understanding; bright and mentally alert.
EXAMPLE
Sie hat einen flinken Verstand und löst jedes Rätsel sofort.
She has a quick-witted mind and solves every puzzle right away.
Usage tips
Positive meaning
The word 'flink' (quick/nimble) has an entirely positive connotation. It describes not just pure speed, but also skill, agility, and a certain lightness.
EXAMPLE
Mit ein paar flinken Handgriffen hatte der Mechaniker das Problem gelöst.
With a few quick, skillful movements, the mechanic had solved the problem.
Context clue
You can tell from context whether 'flink' (quick/nimble) refers to physical or mental speed. If it refers to movements, animals, or body parts, the physical meaning is intended. If it appears in connection with thinking, calculating, or the mind, it refers to the mental meaning.
EXAMPLE
Das flinke Kätzchen jagte der Maus hinterher.
The nimble kitten chased after the mouse.
Typical collocations
In its physical meaning, 'flink' (quick/nimble) is often connected with agile movements and body parts. Typical combinations are 'flinke Finger' (nimble fingers), 'flinke Beine' (quick legs), or the expression 'flink wie ein Wiesel sein' (to be quick as a weasel).
EXAMPLE
Die Pianistin hat unglaublich flinke Finger.
The pianist has incredibly nimble fingers.
Mental quickness
To express mental quickness, 'flink' (quick/quick-witted) is often combined with the mind or mental abilities. Common expressions are 'einen flinken Verstand haben' (to have a quick mind) or 'flink im Kopf sein' (to be quick in the head).
EXAMPLE
Er ist flink im Kopf und versteht komplexe Zusammenhänge sofort.
He is quick in the head and understands complex connections immediately.
Compare with
flink vs schnell
fast / quick
When describing a physical or manual action, schnell refers only to a high speed or short duration. Flink adds the idea of skill and agility. If a person works not only quickly but also skillfully, or moves nimbly, flink is a better fit.
flink
Die Mitarbeiterin sortierte die Karten flink mit sicheren, geschickten Händen.
The employee sorted the cards quickly and skillfully, with sure hands.
schnell
Die Mitarbeiterin sortierte die Karten schnell und war früh fertig.
The employee sorted the cards quickly and finished early.
In real life
Loading video examples...