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noun

der Anhaltspunkt, -e

clue

Etwas, das hilft, eine Sache zu verstehen oder ein Problem zu lösen.

Definition & meaning

Anhaltspunkt is a masculine German noun meaning clue, indication, point of reference, or basis for an assumption or investigation.

It refers to information or evidence that helps someone understand a situation, find a solution, or form an opinion.

Examples:

  • Die Polizei hat einen wichtigen Anhaltspunkt gefunden.
    “The police found an important clue.”
  • Dafür gibt es keinen Anhaltspunkt.
    “There is no indication or evidence of that.”
  • Diese Zahlen bieten einen guten Anhaltspunkt für die weitere Planung.
    “These figures provide a good basis for further planning.”

The meaning depends on context:

  1. Clue or evidence: information that helps solve a problem or investigation.
  2. Reference point or guideline: something used as a basis for orientation, judgment, or planning.

Grammar & Word origin

  • Gender: masculine — der Anhaltspunkt
  • Plural: die Anhaltspunkte
  • Compound: Anhalt + Punkt
  • Anhalt is related to the verb anhalten “to stop,” “to hold on,” or “to retain.”
  • Literally, the word suggests a “point to hold on to,” which developed into the figurative meaning “clue” or “reference point.”

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms

  • Hinweis — a hint, indication, or piece of information; often more general and less suggestive of evidence than Anhaltspunkt.
  • Indiz — an indication or piece of circumstantial evidence; more strongly associated with investigations and logical conclusions.
  • Anzeichen — a sign or symptom showing that something is happening; it usually describes an observable sign rather than a basis for further investigation.
  • Orientierungspunkt — a reference point used for orientation or guidance; it is less often used to mean evidence.
  • Bezugspunkt — a point of reference for comparison or evaluation; it does not usually mean a clue.

There is no exact general antonym. Depending on the context, possible opposites include:

  • Ratlosigkeit — helplessness or uncertainty caused by having no clue.
  • Orientierungslosigkeit — lack of direction or a reference point.
  • Ungewissheit — uncertainty, especially when there is insufficient evidence.

Common phrases & collocations

  • einen Anhaltspunkt finden — to find a clue or indication
  • einen Anhaltspunkt liefern [?](vocabuo://word/lief ern) — to provide a clue or basis
  • Anhaltspunkte haben — to have clues or indications
  • keinen Anhaltspunkt geben — to give no indication
  • ein erster Anhaltspunkt — a first clue or initial reference point
  • konkrete Anhaltspunkte — concrete or specific indications
  • stichhaltige Anhaltspunkte — sound, substantial, or convincing indications

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Examples

Die Untersuchung ergab einen neuen Anhaltspunkt.noun

The investigation revealed a new clue.

Ohne klare Anhaltspunkte war die Entscheidung sehr schwierig.noun

Without clear clues the decision was very difficult.

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