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umhin

around it, past it (used only in 'nicht umhinkönnen')

adverb oom-HIN Rare
Grammar & Structure Particles

Usage Note

Umhin occurs almost exclusively in the fixed construction nicht umhinkönnen, etwas zu tun ('cannot help doing something / be compelled to'): Ich konnte nicht umhin zu lachen. It has no independent use.

Examples

"Sie konnte nicht umhin, die Wahrheit zu sagen."

Natural Translation

She could not help but tell the truth.

Literal Translation

She could not around-it, the truth to say.

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