German word

hegen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈheːgn̩/

Meaning

  • verbharbor

Example

Ich hege noch Hoffnungen.

I still harbor hopes.

Illustration for hegen (harbor)

More examples

Viele Menschen hegen Zweifel an der Politik.

Many people harbor doubts about political affairs.

Core concept

A carefully tended inner garden holds a hope, feeling, or intention safely over time.

Common phrases

  • Hoffnung hegen

    cherish hope

  • Zweifel hegen

    nurture doubts

  • Abneigung hegen

    harbor antipathy

Similar words

pflegen: To tend something carefully and keep it in good condition.
schätzen: To value something and hold it in high regard.

Definition in German

innerlich etwas pflegen oder mit Sorgfalt behalten; oft auf Gefühle, Hoffnungen oder Absichten bezogen.

Word origin

Hegen is an inherited Germanic verb related to Old High German hegan, meaning to protect or tend, with later use for carefully maintaining inner states.

Usage tips

  • Unlike English harbor, hegen is often warm or neutral and commonly takes an abstract accusative such as Hoffnung, Wunsch, or Groll.

Other meanings

  • cherishverb
  • nurtureverb

Opposites

Related words

  • Hegeguardianshipnoun
  • gehegttreasuredadjective

Word lists with this word