German word

Hering

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈheːʁɪŋ/

Meaning

  • masculine nounherring

Example

Der Hering liegt auf dem Teller.

The herring is on the plate.

Illustration for Hering (herring)

More examples

Auf dem Markt gibt es frischen Hering aus der Nordsee.

At the market, there is fresh herring from the North Sea.

Core concept

One slender shape links a fish on a plate with a short stake securing a tent.

Common phrases

  • frischer Hering

    fresh herring

  • Hering aus der Nordsee

    herring from the North Sea

  • Heringsbrötchen

    herring sandwich

Similar words

Lachs: A large migratory fish with orange-red flesh, often grilled or served raw.
Thunfisch: A large, fast-swimming food fish with firm flesh, often eaten raw or canned.
Makrele: An oily fish with stripes, commonly grilled or preserved in cans.
Sardine: A small schooling fish often grilled whole or preserved in cans.

Definition in German

Ein silbern glänzender Schwarmfisch, wirtschaftlich bedeutsam und häufig als Speisefisch genutzt.

Word origin

The fish sense of Hering descends through older German forms from Proto-Germanic, and the peg sense arose through a shape-based extension.

Usage tips

  • In camping contexts, Hering can mean a tent peg, so context distinguishes equipment from food.

Other meanings

  • pegnoun

Opposites

  • Süßwasserfischfreshwater fishnoun

Related words

  • Heringsölherring oilnoun
  • Heringssalatherring saladnoun

Word lists with this word