German word

Hecke

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈhɛkə/

Meaning

  • feminine nounhedge

Example

Im Garten wachsen viele Hecken.

There are many hedges growing in the garden.

Illustration for Hecke (hedge)

More examples

Im Frühling muss ich die Hecke schneiden.

In spring I have to trim the hedge.

Core concept

A green wall of closely planted bushes marks where one space ends and another begins.

Common phrases

  • Hecke schneiden

    trim a hedge

  • Hecke pflanzen

    plant a hedge

  • Hecke pflegen

    tend a hedge

Similar words

Zaun: A constructed barrier of wood or metal that marks a boundary or restricts access.
Strauch: A low woody plant with branches growing densely from near the ground.
Sichtschutz: A barrier designed to block outside views and provide visual privacy.
Mauer: A solid boundary wall made of stone or concrete.

Definition in German

Hecke ist ein Büsche- oder Strauchstreifen, der Grundstücke, Wege oder Gärten voneinander trennt.

Word origin

The noun Hecke continues an inherited Germanic form related to English hedge and retains the older boundary-making sense.

Usage tips

  • Hecke refers to a plant boundary, whereas Zaun refers to a constructed fence, so the two nouns are not interchangeable.

Opposites

  • Freiflächeopen areanoun
  • Lichtungclearingnoun

Related words

  • Heckenrosehedge rosenoun
  • Heckenpflanzehedge plantnoun

Word lists with this word