der Kniff
Translation
trick, knack, crease, ploy
Examples
Er kennt den Kniff, um das Schloss zu öffnen.
He knows the trick to open the lock.
Sie machte einen Kniff in das Papier.
She made a crease in the paper.
Mit einem kleinen Kniff funktionierte es.
It worked with a little trick.
Grammar Patterns
to know the knack/trick ((for sth. / to do sth.)) He knows the trick to open the lock.
Similar Words
Synonyms: Trick, Kunstgriff (trick); Falte (fold)
Etymology
Related to the verb 'kneifen' (to pinch), suggesting a 'pinch' or fold, or a clever 'twist' of thought.
Memory Tips
Sounds a bit like 'knife'. A clever trick can be sharp like a knife, or you use a knife to make a sharp crease.