01
klingeln
to ring
To produce a clear, usually metallic sound, like a bell, an alarm clock, or an old telephone.
example
Das Telefon klingelt schon seit einer Minute.
The phone has been ringing for a minute already.
klingeln
to ring
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clue: subject
The subject of the sentence reveals the meaning. If it is a device (e.g. alarm clock, phone), it is about a sound. If it is a person, they are pressing a bell. If it is 'es' (it), it is usually an idiom.
EXAMPLE
Mein Wecker klingelt jeden Morgen um sechs Uhr.
My alarm clock rings every morning at six.
Typical preposition
When referring to a doorbell, the preposition 'an' is often used with the dative to specify the place. But you can also simply say 'klingeln' (to ring).
EXAMPLE
Kannst du bitte an der Tür klingeln?
Can you please ring the doorbell?
Fixed expression
The idiom 'es klingelt bei jemandem' (it rings a bell for someone) has a fixed structure. The 'jemand' (someone) is always in the dative.
EXAMPLE
Moment, jetzt klingelt es bei mir! Ich weiß, was du meinst.
Wait, now it rings a bell! I know what you mean.
Dative construction
In the expression 'in den Ohren klingeln' (to ring in one's ears), the person who hears the noise is in the dative. The subject is 'es' (it).
EXAMPLE
Die Musik war so laut, dass mir danach die Ohren geklingelt haben.
The music was so loud that my ears rang afterward.
Compare with
klingeln vs verstehen
to understand
'verstehen' and 'klingeln' are only close in meaning in one specific idiom. 'verstehen' is the normal word when you grasp the meaning of something. 'Es klingelt bei jemandem' means figuratively that someone suddenly understands something or remembers something. This expression is rather colloquial and sounds more vivid than 'verstehen'. It is often used when the moment of understanding comes suddenly.
klingeln
Als der Lehrer den Namen wiederholt, klingelt es bei Anna plötzlich.
When the teacher repeats the name, it suddenly rings a bell for Anna.
verstehen
Nach dem Beispiel versteht die Familie, warum der Plan geändert wurde.
After the example, the family understands why the plan was changed.
In real life
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