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finster

gloomy, sinister

adjective FIN-ster Rare

Also means

dark (of character or mood)

Usage Note

Finster applies to dark physical spaces and to a grim, threatening human expression or character. Ein finsterer Blick is a menacing glare; finstere Absichten are sinister intentions. The word is more evocative than dunkel when applied to people.

Examples

"Er blickte sie mit einem finsteren Gesicht an, ohne ein Wort zu sagen."

Natural Translation

He looked at her with a gloomy expression without saying a word.

Literal Translation

He looked at her with a dark face at, without a word to say.

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