German word

Hirn

Pronunciation

IPA/hɪʁn/

Meaning

  • neuter nounbrain

Example

Das Hirn steuert den Körper.

The brain controls the body.

Illustration for Hirn (brain)

More examples

In Diskussionen sollte man nicht nur sein Hirn, sondern auch Empathie einsetzen.

In discussions, one should use not only one's brain but also empathy.

Core concept

A control center inside the skull coordinates thought, movement, sensation, and vital processes.

Common phrases

  • das Hirn des Menschen

    the human brain

Similar words

Gehirn: The anatomical organ responsible for thought and bodily control, often used clinically.
Verstand: The capacity for rational thought, understanding, and judgment.
Kopf: The entire head, considered as the body part above the neck.

Definition in German

Hirn ist das Organ im Kopf, das Nervenimpulse verarbeitet und Körperfunktionen sowie Denken steuert.

Word origin

Hirn continues Old High German hirni and Middle High German hirn as an inherited Germanic word for the brain.

Usage tips

  • Hirn is neuter, so the definite article is das; Gehirn is the more neutral choice in medical language.

Other meanings

  • brainsnoun
  • brain matternoun

Opposites

Related words

  • Hirnarealbrain regionnoun
  • Hirnleistungmental capacitynoun

Word lists with this word