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
klingen
to sound
To produce or emit a tone, noise, or sound.
EXAMPLE
Die Glocken der alten Kirche klingen sehr tief.
The bells of the old church sound very deep.
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 wirken
to seem / take effect
Klingen describes an impression created through hearing, for example through a voice or wording. Wirken refers to a more general impression that can also arise from someone’s behavior or appearance. Klingen fits a perceptible utterance, while wirken fits a more comprehensive impression.
klingen
Am Telefon klingt ihre Entschuldigung ehrlich.
On the phone, her apology sounds sincere.
wirken
Im persönlichen Gespräch wirkt ihre Entschuldigung ehrlich.
In person, her apology seems sincere.
In real life
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