link
sneaky
Colloquial for deceitful, dishonest, or fraudulent. Describes a person or an action that cannot be trusted.
EXAMPLE
Das war eine linke Tour von ihm, mich so auszutricksen.
That was a sneaky trick of his, fooling me like that.
link
sneaky / left
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Meanings
link
left
An outdated or regional variant for the directional or side indication 'links' (left). Today, the form 'links' is used almost exclusively.
EXAMPLE
Der linke Handschuh hat ein Loch.
The left glove has a hole in it.
Usage tips
Context clue
The context makes the meaning clear. If 'link' refers to a person or an action, it means 'sneaky' or 'deceitful'. If it refers to the side of an object, it means 'left'.
EXAMPLE
Sei vorsichtig, das ist ein linkes Geschäft.
Be careful, that's a shady deal.
Register
The meaning 'sneaky' or 'dishonest' is purely colloquial. This usage is avoided in formal or written contexts.
EXAMPLE
Er hat versucht, mich mit einem linken Trick hereinzulegen.
He tried to trick me with a sneaky move.
Typical combinations
In the colloquial meaning, 'link' is often used in fixed combinations, for example 'eine linke Tour' (a sneaky trick), 'ein linkes Spiel' (a dirty game), or 'ein linkes Ding drehen' (to pull a shady stunt).
EXAMPLE
Das war ein linkes Spiel von ihm, um den Job zu bekommen.
That was a dirty game on his part to get the job.
Register
The use of 'link' as a directional indication is now outdated or only common in certain regions. In modern German, the form 'links' is almost always used.
EXAMPLE
In dem alten Gedicht stand: 'Zur linken Hand siehst du den Wald'.
In the old poem it said: 'On your left hand you see the forest.'
Compare with
link vs gemein
mean / common
Link and gemein can both describe an intentionally bad action or hurtful behavior. Link emphasizes that someone is sneaky, dishonest, or difficult to see through; gemein focuses more on maliciousness or causing hurt. Choose link when deception is involved and gemein for openly hurtful behavior.
link
Es war link, dass er mir absichtlich die falsche Uhrzeit nannte.
It was sneaky of him to deliberately give me the wrong time.
gemein
Es war gemein, dass er vor allen anderen über ihre Angst lachte.
It was mean of him to laugh at her fear in front of everyone else.
In real life
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