German Conversation · Level 23
90 words
German word
Haken
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈhaːkən/
Meaning
- masculine nounhook
Example
An der Wand hängt ein Haken für Mäntel.
A hook for coats is hanging on the wall.
More examples
Im Kleingedruckten steckt oft ein Haken.
The fine print often contains a catch.
Core concept
A curved point grips an object, while figuratively it marks the catch that makes an offer or plan less simple.
Common phrases
einen Haken haben
have a catch
einen Haken setzen
put a check mark
Similar words
Kleiderhaken: A hook attached to a wall or closet for hanging clothes.
Nagel: A thin metal spike driven into wood or a wall to hang or secure things.
Kleiderbügel: A shoulder-shaped frame used to hang clothes in storage.
Definition in German
Ein gebogenes, hervorstehendes Stück an Möbeln, Wänden oder Geräten, an dem man Kleidung, Schlüssel oder andere Dinge aufhängen kann.
Word origin
The German noun developed from older Germanic forms for a bent or hooked object, with English hook as a close relative.
Usage tips
- The idiom einen Haken haben means that something has a catch or drawback, not that it physically has a hook.