der Kniff
Translation
trick, knack, crease, gimmick
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 gimmick.
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
Connected to 'kneifen' (to pinch), implying a fold made by pinching, or a clever idea that's a 'twist'.
Memory Tips
Think of a 'sniff' of a good idea. You 'sniff' out the 'Kniff' or the trick to solving a problem.