wittern
Translation
to scent, to smell, to sense, to get wind of
Examples
Der Hund wittert ein Kaninchen.
The dog scents a rabbit.
Sie witterte eine Gefahr.
She sensed danger.
Er witterte eine gute Gelegenheit.
He sensed a good opportunity.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to scent, sense sth. The dog scents danger.
Similar Words
Synonyms: riechen, spüren, ahnen
Etymology
Related to 'Wetter' (weather) and 'Wind' (wind), originally meaning to perceive something carried on the wind.
Memory Tips
Imagine an animal lifting its nose to the 'Wetter' (weather/air) to catch a scent.