to whimper
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to whimper
To make high-pitched, plaintive, or pitiful sounds. It is often used for dogs expressing pain, fear, or a need.
Der kleine Hund winselte vor der verschlossenen Tür.
The little dog whimpered in front of the locked door.
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.
Der Welpe winselte, weil er seine Mutter vermisste.
The puppy whimpered because it missed its mother.
'Winseln' (to whimper) is an onomatopoeic word. The sound of the word itself imitates the high-pitched, plaintive noise it describes.
Man hörte den Hund hinter der Tür leise winseln.
You could hear the dog whimpering softly behind the door.
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).
Der Hund winselte vor Kälte.
The dog whimpered from the cold.
to cry / howl
'heulen' and 'winsen' can both describe sounds made by animals, especially dogs or wolves. 'heulen' is a long, loud, plaintive sound. You often think of a wolf or dog raising its head and calling for a long time. 'winsen' is usually quieter, higher-pitched, and sounds pitiful. It often shows fear, pain, or that a dog needs something. The words can be confused because both can sound plaintive. As a simple guide: a wolf 'heult' into the night; an injured or sad dog 'winselt'.
Der Hund winselte vor der Tür, weil er nach draußen wollte.
The dog whimpered at the door because it wanted to go outside.
In der Ferne heulte ein Hund, und die Straße war ganz still.
A dog howled in the distance, and the street was completely quiet.