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noun

der Hau, -e

hit

Definition & meaning

The word "Hau" has several applications in the German language depending on whether it is used as a noun or a verb form:

  1. A blow or strike: As a noun, it refers to a hit or a cut, though it is less common in modern German than the word Hieb.
  2. Colloquial defect: In the idiom "einen Hau haben," it refers to a slight mental quirk (being "a bit crazy") or a physical defect like a dent or a scratch on an object.
  3. Forestry: It describes a specific section of a forest where trees are designated to be cut down or a clearing created by felling trees.
  4. Imperative form: It is the singular imperative of the verb hauen. It translates to "Hit!" or "Strike!". In the common colloquial phrase "Hau ab!", it means "Get lost!" or "Beat it!".

Grammar & Word origin

"Der Hau" is a masculine noun (genitive: des Haus/Haues, plural: die Haue). It is directly derived from the verb hauen, which stems from the Old High German "houwan," meaning to strike, hew, or forge.

It should be distinguished from the feminine noun die Haue, which is a colloquial term for a thrashing or a beating (e.g., "Haue bekommen" - to get a beating).

Synonyms & antonyms

  • Synonyms (Blow/Strike): Schlag, Hieb, Stoß.
  • Synonyms (Defect/Quirk): Macke, Tick, Defekt, Spleen.
  • Synonyms (Forestry): Holzschlag, Schlag, Lichtung.
  • Antonyms: Streicheln (to caress/stroke), Ganzheit (wholeness/perfection, as opposed to having a "Hau" or defect).

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Examples

Hau nicht so fest auf den Tisch.noun

Do not hit the table so hard.

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