to scent / sense
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to scent
To perceive something with the sense of smell. This is mainly used in connection with animals that smell a trail, prey, or danger.
Der Jagdhund witterte ein Wildschwein im dichten Gebüsch.
The hunting dog scented a wild boar in the dense bushes.
to sense
In a figurative sense, to have an inkling or suspicion; to intuitively sense an opportunity or danger.
Die Journalistin witterte hinter der knappen Pressemitteilung eine große Geschichte.
The journalist sensed a big story behind the brief press release.
The verb 'wittern' (to scent/sense) almost always requires a direct object in the accusative. You always scent or sense 'something' or 'someone'.
Der Fuchs witterte die Gefahr und versteckte sich.
The fox sensed the danger and hid.
You can recognize the meaning from the subject: if an animal is the subject, it is usually about the real sense of smell. If a human is the subject, it is almost always about an inkling or suspicion in the figurative sense.
Der Bär witterte den Rauch des Lagerfeuers.
The bear scented the smoke from the campfire.
In connection with animals, 'wittern' (to scent) is often combined with the objects 'Beute' (prey), 'Gefahr' (danger), or 'eine Fährte' (a scent trail).
Der Wolf witterte seine Beute aus weiter Entfernung.
The wolf scented its prey from far away.
In the figurative meaning for people, typical objects are abstract things like 'eine Chance' (an opportunity), 'ein gutes Geschäft' (a good deal), 'Verrat' (betrayal), or 'eine Intrige' (an intrigue/plot).
Als Investor witterte er sofort eine einmalige Chance.
As an investor, he immediately sensed a unique opportunity.
to feel / sense
Both words can express an intuitive perception of danger or an opportunity. “Spüren” is more general and describes a feeling or an inkling, while “wittern” often emphasizes suspicion or an instinctive, somewhat distrustful recognition. Use “spüren” for a general feeling and “wittern” for this particular nuance.
Der erfahrene Händler witterte hinter dem günstigen Angebot einen Betrug.
The experienced merchant sensed a scam behind the bargain offer.
Auf dem dunklen Weg spürte ich, dass etwas nicht stimmte.
On the dark path, I sensed that something was wrong.
