noun
das Heck, -e
rear
Der hintere Teil von einem Schiff oder Boot.
The German word "Heck" is a noun that means "stern" or "rear" (especially of a vehicle, ship, or aircraft). It refers to the back part or tail section.
- Heck itself does not break down into smaller meaningful words in modern usage.
Similar words:
- Rücken — back (more general, refers to the back of a person or animal)
- Hinterteil — rear part (more colloquial and general)
- Heckseite — back side (related but more descriptive)
Differences:
- Heck specifically refers to the rear of vehicles or vessels, often technical or formal.
- Rücken is usually for living beings’ backs.
- Hinterteil is informal and could refer to the backside of anything.
- Heckseite is more descriptive but less common in everyday speech.
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Examples
Am Heck klebt ein Aufkleber.noun
There is a sticker stuck on the rear.
Am Heck hat das Auto rote Lichter.noun
At the rear, the car has red lights.
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