hindeutet

Hindeuten is a German verb meaning to indicate, to point to, or to imply something based on signs or evidence. It is used to describe how data, observations, or circumstances suggest a particular interpretation or conclusion.

Grammar and usage: Hindeuten typically forms with the separable prefix hin- attached to deuten. In main clauses the prefix moves to the end, as in Es deutet darauf hin, dass …, or Dieses Zeichen deutet darauf hin, dass das System defekt ist. The present tense forms are deuten hin (er/deutet hin) when used without the fixed phrase; the common construction with implied conclusion is dein hauptteil: deutet darauf hin. The past tense is deutete hin, and the perfect is hat darauf hingedeutet or hat darauf hingedeutet. The noun form is uncommon; speakers usually use synonyms such as Hinweis or Anzeichen.

Usage notes: Hindeuten emphasizes inference from signs rather than a direct, explicit statement. It is often preferred in analytical or cautious contexts. In everyday speech, many speakers also use hinweisen (to indicate) as a closer synonym, particularly when the emphasis is on drawing attention rather than inferring a conclusion. Collocations frequently involve darauf hin or darauf hinweisen, followed by a clause introduced by dass or by a question word.

Examples: Dieses Zeichen deutet darauf hin, dass das System defekt ist. Die Indizien deuten darauf hin, dass der Plan scheitern könnte. In formeller Sprache kann auch gesagt werden: Die Ergebnisse deuten darauf hin.

Related terms: deuten, hinweisen, Indiz, Hinweis, Anzeichen.