01
klingen
to sound
To create a certain impression through the way something is said or sounds.
example
Dein Vorschlag klingt nach einem guten Plan.
Your suggestion sounds like a good plan.
klingen
to sound
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'klingen' (to sound) is closely related to the noun 'der Klang' (sound). 'Der Klang' describes the noise or tone that something makes.
EXAMPLE
Ich mag den Klang dieser Gitarre.
I like the sound of this guitar.
Literal vs. figurative
The literal meaning describes a real sound. The figurative meaning describes an impression. If you see an adjective (good, bad, strange) or the words 'wie' (like) or 'nach' (like / of), the figurative meaning is almost always intended.
EXAMPLE
Die Musik klingt schön.
The music sounds beautiful.
Sentence pattern
In the figurative meaning 'to create an impression', 'klingen' (to sound) is often used with an adjective, the preposition 'nach' (+ dative), or the comparison word 'wie' (like/as). These patterns are very common.
EXAMPLE
Deine Idee klingt interessant.
Your idea sounds interesting.
Compare with
klingen vs scheinen
to shine / seem
'scheinen' and 'klingen' can both express what impression something makes. 'scheinen' is more general: something appears to be true, even if you do not know for sure. 'klingen' is used especially when the impression comes from words, a voice, music, or a sound. The words can be confused because both can express an assumption. If you see something or are judging a situation in general, 'scheinen' often fits. If you hear something or are paying attention to the wording, 'klingen' is more natural.
klingen
Deine Nachricht klingt freundlich, aber auch ein bisschen unsicher.
Your message sounds friendly, but also a little unsure.
scheinen
Der Plan scheint gut zu sein, aber wir müssen ihn noch prüfen.
The plan seems to be good, but we still need to check it.
In real life
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