lind
mild / gentle
In a gentle, mild, and pleasant way. Often used for weather, wind, or also scents, and has a poetic or elevated connotation.
EXAMPLE
Ein linder Sommerwind wehte durch die Bäume.
A gentle summer wind blew through the trees.
lind
mild / gentle
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Meanings
lind
lenient / mild
(elevated) Not strict or harsh; mild. Often refers to judgments, punishments, or criticism.
EXAMPLE
Der Richter fällte ein lindes Urteil, da der Angeklagte Reue zeigte.
The judge handed down a lenient verdict because the defendant showed remorse.
Usage tips
Register and style
'Lind' (mild/gentle) is an elevated and rather poetic word. It is rarely used in everyday colloquial speech.
EXAMPLE
Die Dichterin beschrieb den Frühling mit linden Worten.
The poet described spring with gentle words.
Typical collocations (nature)
In relation to the weather or nature, 'lind' (mild/gentle) is often combined with nouns such as 'Wind' (wind), 'Luft' (air), 'Abend' (evening), or 'Frühling' (spring).
EXAMPLE
Nach dem heißen Tag genossen wir die linde Abendluft.
After the hot day, we enjoyed the mild evening air.
Typical collocations (judgment)
When it is about a mild assessment, you find 'lind' (lenient/mild) in combinations such as 'lindes Urteil' (lenient verdict), 'linde Strafe' (lenient punishment), or 'linde Kritik' (mild criticism).
EXAMPLE
Angesichts der Umstände erhielt der Angeklagte eine linde Strafe.
Given the circumstances, the defendant received a lenient sentence.
Compare with
lind vs sanft
gentle / soft
Sanft and lind can both describe a pleasant wind. Sanft emphasizes the calm, gentle movement, while lind highlights the wind’s mild strength and often sounds more poetic or elevated. In everyday language, sanft is usually the more neutral choice; lind is particularly suitable in elevated language.
lind
Ein linder Wind bewegte die Blätter im Garten.
A mild breeze moved the leaves in the garden.
sanft
Ein sanfter Wind bewegte die Blätter im Garten.
A gentle wind moved the leaves in the garden.
In real life
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