01
die List
cunning / trick
The ability or action of achieving a goal through cleverness, deception, or a crafty approach.
example
Mit einer List gelang es dem Fuchs, an die Trauben zu kommen.
With a trick, the fox managed to get the grapes.
die List
cunning / trick
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'die List' (cunning/trick) belongs to the same word family as the adjective 'listig' (cunning/crafty). So a cunning person is someone who often uses a trick.
EXAMPLE
Der Detektiv war bekannt dafür, listig zu sein und seine Gegner zu täuschen.
The detective was known for being cunning and deceiving his opponents.
Usage pattern
'List' (trick) is very often used with the preposition 'mit' (with) to describe the method. The typical sentence structure is: 'Mit einer List gelang es jemandem, etwas zu tun.' (With a trick, someone managed to do something.)
EXAMPLE
Mit einer List schaffte er es, den Schlüssel zu bekommen.
With a trick, he managed to get the key.
Typical collocations
Common verbs used with 'List' (trick) are 'eine List anwenden' (to use a trick), 'eine List ersinnen' (to devise a trick), or 'auf eine List hereinfallen' (to fall for a trick/be deceived).
EXAMPLE
Er ist auf die List seines Konkurrenten hereingefallen.
He fell for his competitor's trick.
Compare with
List vs Trick
trick
'der Trick' and 'die List' can both mean that someone achieves a goal through cleverness or deception. 'Trick' is very broad in everyday language: it can be a practical solution, a clever tip, or a deception. 'List' sounds more like a deliberately clever and often secretive approach used to outsmart someone. The word is also a bit more elevated or narrative in style than 'Trick'. Learners may confuse the words because both describe ways that are not simply honest and straightforward. For a small practical aid, people usually say 'Trick'; for a clever deception, 'List' fits better.
List
Mit viel List brachte der Fuchs im Märchen den Raben zum Singen.
With great cunning, the fox in the fairy tale got the raven to sing.
Trick
Er zeigt mir einen Trick, mit dem ich die Aufgabe schneller lösen kann.
He shows me a trick that helps me solve the task faster.
In real life
Loading video examples...