peilen
Translation
to gauge, to aim at, to get, to take a bearing on
Examples
Der Seemann peilt die Küste an.
The sailor takes a bearing on the coast.
Ich peile eine gute Note an.
I'm aiming for a good grade.
Ich peil das einfach nicht.
I just don't get it.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) ((an)) to aim at sth., take a bearing on sth. Der Seemann peilt die Küste an.
Similar Words
messen (to measure), zielen (to aim), verstehen (to understand)
Etymology
From Dutch 'peilen' (to sound, gauge), related to German 'Pegel' (level, gauge).
Memory Tips
Imagine using a 'pile' of instruments to 'peil' (gauge) the distance. The colloquial meaning 'to get it' is like getting a mental bearing on something.