German word

Kern

Pronunciation

IPA/kɛɐ̯n/

Meaning

  • masculine nouncore

Example

Das ist der Kern des Problems.

That is the core of the problem.

Illustration for Kern (core)

More examples

Das Argument trifft den Kern nicht.

That argument fails to hit the core of the matter.

Core concept

The solid part hidden inside a shell represents the central substance that remains when details are removed.

Common phrases

  • der Kern der Sache

    the core of the matter

  • im Kern

    at its core

  • den Kern treffen

    strike at the heart of the matter

Similar words

Mitte: The point located equally far from both ends or sides.
Zentrum: The hub of a city, group, or organized activity.
Fokus: The point toward which attention or interest is directed.

Definition in German

Der Punkt oder Bereich, der das Wesentliche einer Sache zusammenfasst.

Word origin

Kern is an inherited Germanic word related to the English word corn and developed from a term for grain or a seed's inner part.

Usage tips

  • The phrase im Kern uses the dative and means that something is essential or fundamentally true.

Other meanings

  • gistnoun
  • kernelnoun

Opposites

  • Randedgenoun
  • Peripherieperipherynoun

Related words

  • Kernfragecore questionnoun
  • Kernstückcentral piecenoun

Word lists with this word