body language
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body language
The sum of the nonverbal signals that a person sends through posture, gestures, facial expressions, and movements. It expresses feelings, intentions, and attitudes, often unconsciously.
Ihre verschränkten Arme waren ein klares Zeichen ihrer ablehnenden Körpersprache.
Her crossed arms were a clear sign of her dismissive body language.
The word is made up of 'Körper' (body) and 'Sprache' (language). So it literally means the 'Sprache des Körpers' (language of the body) and describes how we communicate without words.
Manchmal sagt die Körpersprache mehr als tausend Worte.
Sometimes body language says more than a thousand words.
In connection with 'Körpersprache' (body language), verbs related to understanding are often used. Typical combinations are 'Körpersprache lesen' (to read body language), 'deuten' (to interpret), or 'verstehen' (to understand).
Ein guter Verkäufer kann die Körpersprache seiner Kunden deuten.
A good salesperson can interpret their customers' body language.
Body language is often described with certain adjectives that express an attitude. Common ones are 'offene Körpersprache' (open body language: positive, inviting) and 'geschlossene Körpersprache' (closed body language: negative, defensive).
Mit offenen Armen signalisierte er eine offene Körpersprache.
With open arms, he signaled open body language.
facial expression
'der Gesichtsausdruck' (facial expression) and 'die Körpersprache' (body language) both belong to nonverbal communication, meaning what someone shows without words. 'der Gesichtsausdruck' refers only to the face: for example, you can see joy, fear, or anger in the eyes and mouth. 'Körpersprache' is broader. It also includes posture, gestures, movements, and often facial expression too. Learners may confuse the words because both show feelings. If you mean only the face, 'Gesichtsausdruck' is more precise. If you mean the whole body, 'Körpersprache' fits better.
Im Bewerbungsgespräch achtete Herr Kaya nicht nur auf die Worte, sondern auch auf die Körpersprache.
In the job interview, Mr. Kaya paid attention not only to the words, but also to body language.
An ihrem Gesichtsausdruck merkte ich sofort, dass sie enttäuscht war.
From her facial expression, I could tell right away that she was disappointed.