A learner's dictionary, built one word at a time.

A clear, example-led dictionary for language learners.

55823 entries across 5 dictionaries

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What makes this dictionary different

Not just a translation

Definitions you can actually read

Every sense has a full English definition and a real example sentence translated in context, so you learn how the word is used, not just what it maps to.

FingerspitzengefĂĽhl

tact, a delicate feel for a situation

"Diese Verhandlung erfordert viel FingerspitzengefĂĽhl."
This negotiation calls for a lot of tact.

Learn it, then prove it

A practice question on every entry

Meaning checks and fill-in-the-blank sentences are generated for every single word, so reading a definition is never the last step.

What does FingerspitzengefĂĽhl mean?

  • south
  • tact
  • breaststroke
  • Wi-Fi

See the shape of a word

Two charts: how it sounds, what it means

A word fingerprint shows its register, era and tone at a glance; a meaning fingerprint shows whether it’s a person, place, thing or idea — or an action, occurrence or state.

How to read these charts
N Category Idea Concreteness Abstract Animacy Inanimate Countability Countable Scope Individual
Meaning fingerprint: Category: idea. Concreteness: abstract. Animacy: inanimate. Countability: countable. Scope: individual.

Color-coded grammar

See gender before you even read

Every German, Spanish, Portuguese and French noun is colour-coded by gender, and an underline shows when the spelling itself hints at — or misleads about — that gender.

FingerspitzengefĂĽhl

der (masc.) die (fem.) das (neut.)

Mutter — "-er" usually predicts der, but this one is feminine anyway.

Words are rarely interchangeable

The closest synonym, and how it differs

Near-synonyms are cross-linked with a short, honest explanation of what actually separates them — register, frequency, or a real difference in meaning.

FeingefĂĽhl

Feingefühl ("fine feeling") is a general character trait — being sensitive and tactful as a person. Fingerspitzengefühl is narrower and more practical: the situational skill of handling one specific delicate moment exactly right, whether or not you're a generally sensitive person.

German loves to build words

See what a long word is made of

Compound words are broken into their parts, each with its own gloss, so an intimidating word turns out to be pieces you already know.

  • Fingerfinger
  • Spitzentips (plural of Spitze)
  • GefĂĽhlfeeling

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