schleichen
sneak · creep
Sich sehr leise und vorsichtig bewegen, damit andere Personen einen nicht hören oder sehen.
The German word "schleichen" is a verb that means "to sneak" or "to creep". It conveys the action of moving slowly and quietly, often to avoid being noticed. "Schleichen" can give a sense of stealth or caution.
Similar words in German include "kriechen" (to crawl), "sich anschleichen" (to sneak up on), and "tappen" (to tread softly).
The primary differences are as follows:
- "Kriechen" (to crawl) emphasizes a low-ground movement, often on hands and knees.
- "Sich anschleichen" (to sneak up on) narrows the meaning to specifically approaching someone or something stealthily.
- "Tappen" (to tread softly) suggests walking softly, possibly without the same level of stealth or intention as "schleichen".
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Examples
Die Katze schleicht leise durch den Garten.verb
The cat sneaks quietly through the garden.
Er schlich gestern spät durch den dunklen Flur, um niemanden zu wecken.verb
He crept late yesterday through the dark hallway to avoid waking anyone.
Warum schleicht ihr früh am Morgen über den verlassenen Hof?verb
Why are you sneaking early in the morning across the deserted courtyard?
Diebe schlichen lautlos in das alte Gebäude hinein.verb
Thieves sneaked silently into the old building.
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