nod
das Kopfnicken
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head nod
A brief movement of the head downward and back up, usually as a sign of agreement, confirmation, or greeting.
Sie gab ihm mit einem kurzen Kopfnicken zu verstehen, dass sie einverstanden war.
She let him know with a brief nod that she agreed.
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| genitive | des Kopfnickens |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Kopfnicken | – |
| accusative | das Kopfnicken | – |
| dative | dem Kopfnicken | – |
| genitive | des Kopfnickens | – |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
'Kopfnicken' is made up of 'Kopf' (head) and 'Nicken' (nodding). The component 'Nicken' belongs to the verb 'nicken' (to nod) and refers here to the movement as an action.
Ein Kopfnicken genügte als Antwort auf die Frage.
A nod was enough as an answer to the question.
The pattern 'mit einem Kopfnicken' (with a nod) describes how someone responds, greets someone, or shows agreement. After 'mit' (with), the dative is used.
Der Nachbar begrüßte mich mit einem Kopfnicken.
The neighbor greeted me with a nod.
Common collocations include 'ein leichtes Kopfnicken' (a slight nod), 'ein kaum merkliches Kopfnicken' (a barely perceptible nod), and 'ein zustimmendes Kopfnicken' (an approving nod). These describe how noticeable the movement is or what message it conveys.
Ihr kaum merkliches Kopfnicken blieb den anderen Gästen verborgen.
The other guests failed to notice her barely perceptible nod.
