gerissen
cunning
Clever and skilled at achieving one's own goals, often in a dishonest or calculating way.
EXAMPLE
Der gerissene Händler konnte fast jeden Kunden überzeugen.
The cunning merchant was able to convince almost every customer.
gerissen
cunning
gerissen – gerissener – am gerissensten
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Meanings
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry gerissen, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
Comparison
| basic form | gerissen |
|---|---|
| comparative | gerissener |
| superlative | am gerissensten |
After der, die, das
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -e | -e | -e | -en |
| acc. | -en | -e | -e | -en |
| dat. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| gen. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Add the ending to gerissen.
After ein, eine
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -er | -e | -es | -en |
| acc. | -en | -e | -es | -en |
| dat. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| gen. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Add the ending to gerissen.
Without article
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -er | -e | -es | -e |
| acc. | -en | -e | -es | -e |
| dat. | -em | -er | -em | -en |
| gen. | -en | -er | -en | -er |
Add the ending to gerissen.
Usage tips
Connotation
'Gerissen' (cunning) usually has a critical connotation because it suggests guile and calculation. Sometimes, however, it also conveys reluctant admiration. Similar words are 'raffiniert' (shrewd) and 'durchtrieben' (devious).
EXAMPLE
Dem gerissenen Betrüger fielen viele ältere Menschen zum Opfer.
Many elderly people fell victim to the cunning fraudster.
Das war ein gerissener Schachzug, das muss man ihm lassen.
That was a cunning move, I have to give him that.
Don't confuse them
'Gerissen' (torn) is also the past participle of the verb 'reißen' (to tear): 'Die Sehne ist gerissen.' (The tendon has torn.) The adjective 'gerissen' (cunning), on the other hand, describes a person who pursues their goals with great skill and calculation.
EXAMPLE
Beim Klettern ist das Seil plötzlich gerissen.
The rope suddenly tore while we were climbing.
Er ist gerissen und erkennt sofort die Schwächen seiner Gegner.
He is cunning and immediately recognizes his opponents' weaknesses.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'schlau und berechnend' (clever and calculating), 'gerissen' is often used with people from business, commerce, or politics, as well as with their methods and plans.
EXAMPLE
Der gerissene Geschäftsmann fand schnell eine Lücke im Vertrag.
The cunning businessman quickly found a loophole in the contract.
In real life
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