das Fell, -e

Definition & meaning

The word Fell primarily refers to the skin of an animal including its hair, wool, or fur. It describes the natural body covering of mammals. In a broader sense, it can also refer to the pelt of an animal after it has been removed and processed.

There are also several idiomatic expressions in German using this word:

1. "Ein dickes Fell haben": Literally meaning "to have a thick fur," this idiom is used to describe someone who is thick-skinned, resilient, or not easily affected by criticism or setbacks.
2. "Jemandem das Fell über die Ohren ziehen": This means to cheat or take advantage of someone.
3. "Die Felle davonschwimmen sehen": This expression is used when someone realizes that their plans or hopes are failing or disappearing.

Grammar & Word origin

Grammatically, Fell is a neuter noun (das Fell). Its plural form is die Felle.

The word originates from the Middle High German "vel" and Old High German "fel." It is etymologically related to the Latin word "pellis" (skin/hide) and the English word "pelt." It also shares the same root as the English word "fell," which in an archaic or specialized sense still refers to an animal's hide.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms: Pelz↗ (often used for thicker fur or fur used in clothing), Haarkleid↗ (a more technical or biological term for an animal's coat), Behaarung↗ (general hairiness), Tierhaut↗ (animal skin), Balg↗ (specifically the skin of a small animal or bird).

Antonyms: While there is no direct lexical opposite for animal fur, terms used to describe the lack of it include Nacktheit↗ (nakedness) or Kahlheit↗ (baldness). In the context of leather processing, one might distinguish between Fell↗ (with hair) and Leder↗ (leather, which is skin without hair).