German word

Hitze

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈhɪt͡sə/

Meaning

  • feminine nounheat

Example

Im Sommer spüre ich die Hitze jeden Tag.

In summer, I feel the heat every day.

Illustration for Hitze (heat)

More examples

Langsam habe ich mich an die Hitze gewöhnt.

Little by little, I have gotten used to the heat.

Core concept

An oppressive wave of heat fills the air and weighs on people outdoors.

Common phrases

  • sich an die Hitze gewöhnen

    get used to the heat

  • mit der Hitze zurechtkommen

    cope with the heat

Similar words

Wärme: Gentle, pleasant warmth that feels comfortable.
Temperatur: A numerical measure of how hot the air or an object is.
Schwüle: Hot, humid air that feels muggy and oppressive.
Hitzewelle: A period of unusually high temperatures lasting several days or more.

Definition in German

Hitze bezeichnet intensive Wärme, die als belastend oder drückend empfunden wird, etwa an heißen Tagen.

Word origin

Hitze is an inherited German noun related to heiß, continuing the older Germanic word family for hot conditions.

Usage tips

  • In the fixed phrase in der Hitze des Gefechts, Hitze is used figuratively for intense excitement or pressure, not temperature.

Opposites

  • Kühlecoolnessnoun
  • Kältecoldnoun

Related words

  • Hitzewelleheat wavenoun
  • hitzefreiexcused from school because of heatadjective

Word lists with this word