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hüsteln

to cough lightly, to give a little cough

verb HUES-teln Rare
Body & Health Movement

Usage Note

hüsteln is a diminutive form of husten and denotes a soft, discreet cough — either from throat-clearing or as a social signal. Common in formal settings or descriptions of embarrassment. Verlegen hüsteln (to cough with embarrassment) is a classic phrase.

Examples

"Sie hüstelte verlegen, als das Gespräch eine unangenehme Wendung nahm."

Natural Translation

She gave an embarrassed little cough as the conversation took an awkward turn.

Literal Translation

She coughed-softly embarrassedly, as the conversation an uncomfortable turn took.

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