lächeln
/ˈlɛçəln/
To smile in German is lächeln.
The verb lächeln is used to describe the act of having a smile on one's face. It specifically refers to a gentle smile.
Meaning: to have a smile on one's face (verb)
Which one should you use?
While lächeln refers to a gentle smile, the word lachen is used when someone is actually laughing out loud. If you want to describe a broad smile or a grin, you can use the informal verb Grinsen.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun form of the action is das Lächeln, which is a neuter noun and is always capitalized. The simple past form of the verb is lächelte, and the past participle is gelächelt, which is used to form the perfect tense, such as ich habe gelächelt (I have smiled).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈlɛçəln/
Did you know?
- The phrase ins Gesicht lächeln can be used idiomatically to mean someone is being hypocritical or lying to your face while pretending to be friendly.
- German has a specific word, das Schmunzeln, for a suppressed smile or a chuckle to oneself that doesn't quite reach a full lächeln.
- In a professional or formal context, lächeln is often paired with the word freundlich to explicitly signal politeness, as a smile without this context can sometimes be misinterpreted as condescending.
Examples in context
- Du musst nur lächeln.All you have to do is smile.This sentence shows the use of lächeln in a simple command or instruction.Tatoeba #4124884 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2643776 by CK
- Lächeln Sie denn nie?Don't you ever smile?This sentence shows how to use lächeln in a question.Tatoeba #12666944 by Waldelfe, translation #6718085 by CK
- Du mußt mehr lächeln.Smile more.This sentence shows a way to encourage someone to use lächeln more frequently.Tatoeba #13341397 by Waldelfe, translation #11567354 by Amastan
- Ein Lächeln kann die Stimmung heben.A smile can brighten the mood.
- Sie ging lächelnd zur Tür.She walked to the door with a smile.
- Ich liebe dein Lächeln.I love your smile.
- Er zeigte ein breites Grinsen.He showed a broad smile.
- Sie konnte sich ein Lachen nicht verkneifen.She couldn't help but smile.
- 285 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Julia are taking a photo together.
- MaximilianBitte lächeln Sie jetzt!Please smile now!
- JuliaIch lächle schon.I am already smiling.
- MaximilianDu musst natürlicher lächeln.You need to smile more naturally.
- JuliaOkay, ich versuche es.Okay, I will try.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “smile” translations and entries lächeln, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
