German word

Haupt

Pronunciation

IPA/haʊ̯pt/

Meaning

  • neuter nounmain point

Example

Das Haupt der Diskussion war die Sicherheit.

The main point of the discussion was safety.

Illustration for Haupt (main point)

More examples

Das Hauptaugenmerk liegt auf der Prävention.

The main focus is on prevention.

Core concept

A head is the foremost part of something, so it can represent both physical leadership and the central point of a matter.

Common phrases

  • das Hauptaugenmerk

    main focus

  • der Hauptteil

    main part

  • das Hauptthema

    main topic

Similar words

Kern: The essential core or most important part of a matter.
Hauptsache: The most important point or main matter requiring attention.
Schwerpunkt: The main topic or area receiving attention or effort.
Hauptpunkt: A specific central point in a discussion or explanation.

Definition in German

Der Kernpunkt, auf den es hauptsächlich ankommt.

Word origin

The German noun Haupt is an inherited Germanic word from Old High German houbit, related to English head, with the meaning of a foremost part developing into an abstract central point.

Usage tips

  • Haupt is neuter, as in das Haupt, and its traditional plural is die Häupter; ordinary modern German usually uses Kopf and Köpfe for physical heads.

Other meanings

  • headnoun

Opposites

  • Nebenaspektsecondary aspectnoun

Related words

  • Hauptaugenmerkmain focusnoun
  • Hauptthemamain topicnoun

Word lists with this word