Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| hinterrücks | |
| verschlagen | /fɛɐ̯ˈʃlaːɡn̩/ |
| durchtrieben | |
| link | /lɪŋk/ |
The words in this group are used to describe someone or something that is cunning, deceiving or not straightforward. While hinterrücks is a default form, other terms like Tückisch can be used in formal situations to mean treacherous or deceptive and Gerissen works well in informal contexts to mean cunning or crafty.
What does it mean word for word?
The adverb hinterrücks literally means behind the back and is used to describe actions done deceitfully or from behind.
Which one should you use?
Verschlagen is the most common adjective for describing a person's devious or cunning character.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For formal situations, you might use Tückisch to mean treacherous or deceptive. For informal contexts, Gerissen means cunning or crafty. The term link is specifically colloquial and describes someone as shifty or devious.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective verschlagen is indeclinable when used as a predicate, such as in Er ist verschlagen, but it takes endings when used before a noun, such as in ein verschlagener Plan.
Did you know?
- The colloquial term link for a devious person comes from the word for 'left'. Historically, 'left' was associated with bad luck or clumsiness, leading to its use for people who are untrustworthy.
- The word verschlagen is a homonym with a meaning related to being 'beaten' or 'struck'. Depending on the context it can describe a devious person or a person who has been physically knocked down.
- In German the word tückisch is often used to describe inanimate objects like a 'treacherous' mountain path or a 'deceptive' puzzle. This extends the idea of deviousness to non-human things that trick the senses.
Examples in context
- Ich denke, Tom ist verschlagen.I think Tom is devious.This sentence is useful for thinking that Tom is verschlagen.Tatoeba #8679322 by Melang, translation #3171927 by CK
- Du bist nach wie vor verschlagen.You're still devious, as before.This sentence is useful for stating that someone is still verschlagen.Tatoeba #12248025 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #12248470 by Miktsoanit
- Er ist verschlagen.He's devious.This sentence is useful for stating that he is verschlagen.Tatoeba #8877171 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #8476629 by CH
- Sein hinterhältiges Verhalten hat ihm viele Feinde eingebrachtHis devious behavior has earned him many enemies
- Sie hat eine tückische Art, andere zu täuschenShe has a devious way of deceiving others
- Er ist ein gerissener GeschäftsmannHe is a cunning businessman
- Sein listiges Verhalten hat ihn aus einer schwierigen Situation gerettetHis sly behavior saved him from a difficult situation
- Er hat einen fiesen Plan geschmiedetHe devised a devious plan
- Er verfolgt immer hinterhältige PläneHe is always pursuing devious plans
- Sie hat eine tückische Art, ihre Absichten zu verbergenShe has a treacherous way of hiding her intentions
- Er ist ein gerissener PolitikerHe is a cunning politician
- Ich habe einen listigen Trick angewendetI used a sly trick
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Maximilian are discussing a colleague's behavior.
- HannahEr hat es hinterrücks versucht.He tried it in a devious way.
- MaximilianDas ist wirklich nicht fair.That is really not fair.
- HannahJa, sein Verhalten war sehr hinterrücks.Yes, his behavior was very devious.
- MaximilianIch traue ihm nicht mehr.I don't trust him anymore.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “devious” translations and entries verschlagen, durchtrieben, link, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries durchtrieben, link, verschlagen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
