01
klicken
to click
To briefly press a button on a computer mouse or touchpad in order to trigger an action on the screen.
example
Klicken Sie auf den Link, um die Webseite zu öffnen.
Click on the link to open the website.
klicken
to click
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Sentence structure with preposition
When you want to say what you are clicking on, always use the preposition 'auf' followed by the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Um fortzufahren, müssen Sie auf den „Weiter“-Button klicken.
To continue, you must click on the 'Weiter' button.
Context clue: sound
In this meaning, the subject of the sentence is usually a mechanical object that makes a short, hard sound. Typical subjects are 'das Schloss' (the lock), 'die Tür' (the door), or 'die Kamera' (the camera).
EXAMPLE
Die Autotür klickte leise, als sie ins Schloss fiel.
The car door clicked softly as it shut.
Fixed expression (colloquial)
The colloquial expression 'es hat bei jemandem geklickt' means that someone suddenly understands something. The person who has the realization is in the dative.
EXAMPLE
Zuerst verstand ich die Aufgabe nicht, aber dann hat es bei mir geklickt.
At first I didn't understand the task, but then it clicked for me.
Fixed expression (colloquial)
When you want to say that two or more people immediately like each other, you use the colloquial expression 'es hat zwischen ihnen geklickt' (it clicked between them).
EXAMPLE
Schon beim ersten Treffen hat es zwischen den beiden geklickt.
It clicked between the two of them at their very first meeting.
Compare with
klicken vs verstehen
to understand
'verstehen' and 'klicken' can both express that someone grasps something or that people get along well. 'verstehen' is neutral and can be used in many situations: you understand an explanation, or you get along with a person. 'klicken' is colloquial and usually describes a sudden moment: all at once you understand something, or there is immediate chemistry between two people. People often say 'Da hat es geklickt' (then it clicked). In formal situations, 'verstehen' is more natural; 'klicken' fits better in casual conversations.
klicken
Nach dem Beispiel hat es bei mir plötzlich geklickt.
After the example, it suddenly clicked for me.
verstehen
Tom versteht die neue Regel noch nicht ganz.
Tom doesn't quite understand the new rule yet.
In real life
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