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
Connected to 'Wetter' (weather) and 'Wind' (wind), it first meant to perceive something carried by the wind.
Memory Tips
Picture an animal pointing its nose into the 'Wetter' (weather/air) to catch a scent.