01
der Knicks
curtsy
A gesture of respect or greeting, mainly performed by women and girls, in which they bend one knee slightly.
example
Das Mädchen machte einen höflichen Knicks vor der Königin.
The girl made a polite curtsy before the queen.
der Knicks
curtsy / kink
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 02
Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'der Knicks' (curtsy/kink) is derived from the verb 'knicken' (to bend or fold). This origin explains both meanings: bending the knee and a bend in an object.
EXAMPLE
Pass auf, dass du beim Aufrollen keinen Knicks in das Poster machst.
Be careful not to make a kink in the poster when rolling it up.
Typical collocation
When a person performs the gesture, this is almost always expressed with the verb 'machen' (to make/do). You 'macht einen Knicks' (make a curtsy).
EXAMPLE
Die Ballerina machte nach ihrem Auftritt einen eleganten Knicks.
The ballerina made an elegant curtsy after her performance.
Context clue
You can tell which meaning is intended from the context. If people and gestures are being discussed, it means a curtsy. If objects such as cables, hoses, or paper are being discussed, it means a bend or fold.
EXAMPLE
Im Kabel ist ein Knicks, deshalb funktioniert der Lautsprecher nicht.
There is a kink in the cable, so the speaker isn't working.
Compare with
Knicks vs Diener
servant
'Diener' and 'Knicks' can both refer to an old-fashioned or very formal gesture of respect. In this meaning, with 'Diener' you usually say 'einen Diener machen' (to make a bow): a person bows. 'Knicks' means a gesture in which mainly women or girls bend their knees slightly. Both words feel rather old-fashioned today and fit, for example, theater, fairy tales, or very ceremonial situations. They can be confused because both describe a polite gesture before a person of higher status. The important point is: 'Knicks' describes the knee movement, while 'Diener' is more about the bow. In addition, 'Diener' also has other meanings, for example a person working in a household or a piece of furniture.
Knicks
Das Mädchen machte einen Knicks, bevor es die Bühne verließ.
The girl made a curtsy before leaving the stage.
Diener
Der Schauspieler machte vor dem König einen tiefen Diener.
The actor made a deep bow before the king.
In real life
Loading video examples...