winsen
to whimper
To make high-pitched, plaintive, or pitiful sounds. It is often used for dogs expressing pain, fear, or a need.
EXAMPLE
Der kleine Hund winselte vor der verschlossenen Tür.
The little dog whimpered in front of the locked door.
winsen
to whimper
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Meanings
Usage tips
Typical context
The verb 'winseln' (to whimper) is almost always used for animals, especially dogs. When it is used for people, it describes very quiet, high-pitched, and pitiable crying, similar to that of a small child.
EXAMPLE
Der Welpe winselte, weil er seine Mutter vermisste.
The puppy whimpered because it missed its mother.
Onomatopoeia
'Winseln' (to whimper) is an onomatopoeic word. The sound of the word itself imitates the high-pitched, plaintive noise it describes.
EXAMPLE
Man hörte den Hund hinter der Tür leise winseln.
You could hear the dog whimpering softly behind the door.
Prepositions for reason
To express the reason for the whimpering, German often uses the preposition 'vor' with the dative (for a cause) or 'um' with the accusative (for a goal).
EXAMPLE
Der Hund winselte vor Kälte.
The dog whimpered from the cold.
In real life
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