hoch
high
Etwas ist weiter oben als normal oder hat eine große Entfernung vom Boden.
Definition & meaning
The word hoch is a versatile German adjective and adverb with several primary meanings:
- Height/Altitude: Used to describe something that extends far upwards or has a great distance from the bottom to the top (e.g., a tall building, a high mountain).
- Intensity/Level: Used to describe something that is great in degree, amount, or intensity (e.g., high speed, high temperature, high volume).
- Status/Rank: Used to refer to something of high social status, prestige, or importance (e.g., a high official).
- Mathematics: Used to indicate an exponent (e.g., "zwei hoch drei" for two to the power of three).
As an adverb, it functions as "upwards" or "high."
Grammar & Word origin
- Grammar: As an adjective, it is declinable. Before a noun, it changes to hoher (masculine), hohe (feminine), or hohes (neuter). When used as a predicate (e.g., "Das Haus ist hoch"), it remains in its base form.
- Origin: The word stems from the Old High German hōh, originating from Proto-Germanic hauhaz. It is related to the English word "high."
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms
- erhaben (lofty/sublime)
- groß (tall/big)
- tiefgründig (in the context of deep/intense)
- gesteigert (increased)
Antonyms
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Examples
Der Berg ist sehr hoch.adjective
The mountain is very high.
Das Gebäude ist sehr hoch.adjective
The building is very high.
Die Berge sind sehr hoch.adjective
The mountains are very high.
Der Ballon fliegt hoch in den Himmel.adverb
The balloon flies high into the sky.
Das Flugzeug fliegt hoch über die Stadt.adverb
The airplane flies high over the city.
Diese Schuhe haben sehr hohe Absätze.adjective
These shoes have very high heels.
Wir brauchen eine höhere Leiter.adjective
We need a higher ladder.
Der Vogel springt hoch.adverb
The bird jumps high.
Die Mauer ist höher als das Tor.adjective
The wall is higher than the gate.
Der Ball fliegt hoch.adverb
The ball flies high.
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