blinzeln
blink
The German word "blinzeln" is a verb that means "to blink" or "to wink". It derives from the Old High German word "blinzilan", which also refers to the action of the eyelids moving quickly. "Blinzeln" generally describes the action of rapidly closing and reopening the eyes, often as a reflex or in response to light.
Similar words in German include "blinken" (to flash—often used for lights) and "zwinkern" (to wink, typically with a playful connotation).
The difference is that "blinzeln" refers to the natural and involuntary action of blinking, while "zwinkern" explicitly refers to the intentional action of winking, usually involving one eye.
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Examples
Sie blinzeln oft, wenn die Sonne scheint.verb
They often blink when the sun shines.
Er blinzelte überrascht, als das Licht anging.verb
He blinked in surprise when the light came on.
Warum blinzelst du so schnell, wenn du nervös bist?verb
Why do you blink so fast when you are nervous?
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