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
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Meanings
der Knicks
kink / bend
A bend, fold, or kinked spot in an otherwise straight or smooth object, for example in a cable or a sheet of paper.
EXAMPLE
Durch den Knicks im Gartenschlauch kam kein Wasser mehr.
Because of the kink in the garden hose, no more water came through.
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.
In real life
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