German Conversation · Level 2
87 words
German word
hart
Pronunciation
IPA/haɐ̯t/
Meaning
- adjectivehard
Example
Das Brot ist hart.
The bread is hard.
More examples
Die Schale der Nuss ist hart.
The nut's shell is hard.
Core concept
A firm material that resists pressure, extended to severe treatment and strong intensity.
Common phrases
harte Schale
hard shell
hartes Metall
hard metal
harter Stein
hard stone
Similar words
schwer: Requiring much effort or time to complete.
fest: Securely fixed and not easy to move.
zäh: Tough and resistant to chewing, tearing, or stretching.
steif: Stiff and not easy to bend or move.
Definition in German
Zustand von Materialien, die gegen Verformung widerstandsfähig sind; übertragen: strenge, schmerzhafte oder intensive Eigenschaft; kann auch Verben intensivieren.
Word origin
German hart continues Old High German hart and Proto-Germanic *harduz, retaining the older sense of physical firmness and extending it to severity and intensity.
Usage tips
- For difficulty, German usually uses schwer or schwierig, while hart more often describes physical firmness, severity, or intensity.