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der Knick
kink / bend
A spot where something straight is sharply bent or folded.
example
Durch den Knick im Gartenschlauch kommt kein Wasser mehr.
Because of the kink in the garden hose, no more water is coming through.
der Knick
kink / bend
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'der Knick' (kink/bend) is derived directly from the verb 'knicken' (to bend/fold). 'Knicken' means to bend or fold something sharply, such as a sheet of paper.
EXAMPLE
Pass auf, dass du keinen Knick in das wichtige Dokument machst.
Be careful not to make a kink in the important document.
Typical collocations
A 'Knick' (kink/bend) often describes an unwanted bend in an otherwise straight object. Typical combinations are 'ein Knick im Kabel' (a kink in the cable), 'ein Knick im Papier' (a fold in the paper), or 'ein Knick im Strohhalm' (a bend in the straw).
EXAMPLE
Wegen des Knicks im Kabel hat der Lautsprecher einen Wackelkontakt.
Because of the kink in the cable, the speaker has a loose connection.
Figurative meaning
In its figurative meaning, 'Knick' (setback/downturn) is often used for negative developments. People speak of 'einem Knick in der Karriere' (a setback in one's career), 'einem Knick in der Leistungskurve' (a drop in the performance curve), or 'einem Knick im Lebenslauf' (a blemish or setback in one's CV).
EXAMPLE
Die Verkaufszahlen erlitten nach der Preiserhöhung einen spürbaren Knick.
Sales figures suffered a noticeable downturn after the price increase.
Regional meaning
The meaning as a hedge on an earthen bank is a special usage in northern Germany, especially in Schleswig-Holstein and Lower Saxony. In other parts of Germany, the word is not understood this way.
EXAMPLE
Hinter dem alten Bauernhaus verläuft ein breiter Knick.
A wide hedgerow runs behind the old farmhouse.
Compare with
Knick vs Ecke
corner
'die Ecke' and 'der Knick' can both describe a place where something does not continue straight. 'Die Ecke' is usually a point or area where two lines, surfaces, or streets meet. 'Der Knick' means a bent or folded spot in something that was previously straight, for example in paper, wire, or a hose. You can confuse the words because both show a sharp change in direction. 'Ecke' fits better for rooms, streets, and shapes. 'Knick' fits better for things that are bent or folded.
Knick
Nach dem Umzug war ein Knick im Kabel.
After the move, there was a kink in the cable.
Ecke
Zum Supermarkt gehst du an der nächsten Ecke nach links.
To get to the supermarket, turn left at the next corner.
In real life
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