blinken

/ˈblɪŋkn̩/

verb B1

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

Underline = a spelling pattern that usually signals that gender.

Forms

present: blinkt
past: blinkte
perfect: hat geblinkt

Meaning

to blink, to flash, to twinkle
- Die Lichter blinkten in der Dunkelheit.
  
  The lights blinked in the darkness.
- Die Sterne blinken am klaren Himmel. Es ist eine wunderschöne Nacht.
  
  The stars twinkle in the clear sky. It is a beautiful night.

Similar words

aufblitzen

Close synonyms for a brief flash of light.

zwinkern

Both can translate English "blink" in one sense each — blinken is a light blinking/flashing (an indicator, a star); zwinkern is a deliberate wink of the eye.

Similar in other languages

Spanish

centellear

Close — to blink/twinkle relates to centellear.

English

wink

Close — to blink, to flash relates to winking.

Practice

1 What does blinken mean?

2 Which fingerprint chart matches blinken?

verb

Last updated 2026-09-22