hören
listen · hear
Mit den Ohren wahrnehmen, was um einen herum an Geräuschen oder Stimmen da ist.
Definition & meaning
The word "hören" primarily refers to the physiological process of perceiving sound through the ears. However, it has several different nuances in German:
- Sensory perception: The basic act of hearing a noise, music, or a voice.
- Active listening: To pay attention to what someone is saying or to a specific sound.
- Obedience: To follow the instructions or advice of another person, often used in the context of children or subordinates.
- Receiving information: To be informed about something or to learn of news through oral or written reports.
Grammar & Word origin
"hören" is a regular (weak) verb. Its principal parts are "hören" (infinitive), "hörte" (simple past), and "hat gehört" (present perfect).
The word originates from the Old High German "hōran" and the Middle High German "hœren". It is linguistically related to the English word "hear" and the Dutch word "horen". The root is derived from a Proto-Indo-European base meaning "to observe" or "to notice."
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- vernehmen (to perceive a sound or statement)
- zuhören (to listen actively)
- lauschen (to eavesdrop or listen intently)
- gehorchen (to obey)
- folgen (to follow instructions or logic)
Antonyms:
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Examples
Ich höre Musik.verb
I am listening to music.
Wir hören aufmerksam zu.verb
We listen attentively.
Er hört die Vögel zwitschern.verb
He hears the birds chirping.
Kinder hören gerne Geschichten.verb
Children like to listen to stories.
Kinder hören den Lehrer.verb
Children hear the teacher.
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