hint / notice
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tip / clue
A piece of information, a tip, or a clue that helps to understand or find something, or to solve a problem.
Die Polizei erhielt einen anonymen Hinweis, der zur Festnahme des Täters führte.
The police received an anonymous tip that led to the arrest of the perpetrator.
note / reference
A note or reference that draws attention to something else, for example to a rule, a danger, or further information.
Am Ende des Kapitels finden Sie einen Hinweis auf weiterführende Literatur.
At the end of the chapter, you will find a reference to further reading.
notice
A sign or written note that gives information or an instruction.
Ein Hinweis an der Tür informierte die Kunden über die geänderten Öffnungszeiten.
A notice on the door informed customers about the changed opening hours.
'Der Hinweis' (hint/notice) is derived directly from the separable verb 'hinweisen' (to point out). A 'Hinweis' is therefore literally something that 'points to' information or a solution.
Ein Schild weist auf die Gefahr hin.
A sign points out the danger.
Both the noun 'Hinweis' (hint/notice) and the verb 'hinweisen' (to point out) are almost always used with the preposition 'auf' and the accusative. The structure is: 'ein Hinweis auf etwas' (a hint/reference to something).
Die Spuren im Schnee waren ein wichtiger Hinweis auf die Anwesenheit von Tieren.
The tracks in the snow were an important clue to the presence of animals.
In the sense of 'Tipp' (tip) or 'Anhaltspunkt' (clue), 'Hinweis' is often used with verbs such as 'geben' (to give), 'bekommen' (to get), or 'erhalten' (to receive). Common adjectives are 'wichtig' (important), 'nützlich' (useful), or 'entscheidend' (decisive).
Danke für den nützlichen Hinweis, ich hätte das fast vergessen!
Thanks for the useful tip; I almost forgot that!
Besides the abstract meaning of a piece of information, 'Hinweis' can also refer to a concrete, physical object, for example a sign, a slip of paper, or a note.
An der Tür hing ein Hinweis mit den neuen Öffnungszeiten.
There was a notice on the door with the new opening hours.
information
Information neutrally conveys knowledge about a particular matter. Hinweis is also informative, but it specifically draws attention to a rule or required behavior. If someone only needs to learn something, Information is appropriate; if they need to take something into account, Hinweis is more suitable.
Der Hinweis auf dem Schild fordert die Besucher auf, ab 18 Uhr den Haupteingang zu benutzen.
The notice on the sign tells visitors to use the main entrance from 6 p.m. onward.
Auf dem Schild steht die Information, dass der Seiteneingang ab 18 Uhr geschlossen ist.
The sign says that the side entrance is closed from 6 p.m. onward.
