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Sinn

German → American English

American English

sense

Bedeutung; Zweck; Wahrnehmungsvermögen; auch: Verstand oder Einsicht in bestimmten Wendungen.

Das macht für mich keinen Sinn.

Use Sinn for both ‘sense’ and ‘meaning/purpose’ depending on context; in fixed phrases it is very common, e.g. Sinn machen, im Sinn haben. Be careful not to confuse it with Verstand, which is closer to ‘reason’ or ‘intellect.’

Frequently asked questions

What does “Sinn” mean in English?
“Sinn” can mean “sense,” “meaning,” “purpose,” or “direction,” depending on the context.
Is “Sinn” the same as “Verstand”?
Not exactly. “Sinn” often means meaning or purpose, while “Verstand” means reason, intellect, or understanding.
How do you say “einen Sinn haben” in English?
It usually means “to make sense” or “to have a purpose,” depending on the sentence.
What is the plural of “Sinn”?
The plural is “Sinne,” often used in the sense of the five senses.