blind
blind
Jemand kann nicht sehen, weil seine Augen kein Licht oder keine Bilder wahrnehmen können.
Definition & meaning
The word "blind" primarily describes the physical inability to see. However, it is used in several different contexts in German:
- Physical sightlessness: Referring to a person or animal that has lost the sense of sight or was born without it.
- Lack of insight or awareness: Used figuratively to describe someone who does not perceive a certain fact, danger, or reality (e.g., "blind to the truth").
- Unthinking or instinctive: Describing actions performed without reflection or reasoning, such as blind obedience or blind rage.
- Opaque or dull: In technical contexts, it refers to surfaces that have lost their transparency or reflective quality, such as a "blind" mirror or "blind" glass.
- Hidden or false: Used to describe things that are not what they seem or are hidden, such as a blind window (a decorative element that looks like a window but is part of the wall) or a blind alarm (a false alarm).
Grammar & Word origin
The word "blind" is an adjective. It remains the same in its basic form and follows standard German adjective declension when used before a noun.
Its origin dates back to the Old High German "blint" and Middle High German "blint." It shares a common Germanic root with the English word "blind." Etymologically, it is related to the word blenden, which means to dazzle or to make someone unable to see temporarily. The root is believed to be connected to the concept of "cloudy," "misty," or "darkened."
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms In the sense of not being able to see: sehbehindert or nicht sehend[?](vocabuo://word/nicht sehend). In the sense of lack of reflection: unkritisch or rücksichtslos. In the sense of dull surfaces: trüb, matt, or glanzlos. In the sense of unawareness: ahnungslos.
Antonyms The most direct opposite regarding sight is sehend. Regarding surfaces: klar, durchsichtig, or spiegelnd. Regarding awareness: einsichtig, bewusst, or hellsichtig.
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Examples
Der Hund ist blind.adjective
The dog is blind.
Die Katze ist blind.adjective
The cat is blind.
Können blinde Menschen heute sicher reisen?adjective
Can blind people travel safely today?
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