German word

hupen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈhuːpən/

Meaning

  • verbhonk

Example

Der Fahrer hupt, weil ein Kind auf die Straße gelaufen ist.

The driver is honking because a child has run into the road.

Illustration for hupen (honk)

More examples

Im Stau hupt der Fahrer wiederholt.

In the traffic jam, the driver honks repeatedly.

Core concept

A vehicle's horn cuts through traffic noise as a warning signal for someone close by.

Common phrases

  • hupen um zu warnen

    honk to warn

  • hupen im Stau

    honk in a traffic jam

  • hupen aus Versehen

    honk accidentally

Similar words

tuten: Making a brief honking noise with a vehicle horn.
warnen: Alerting others to danger or the need for caution through words or signals.
signalisieren: Showing an intention or warning through light, sound, or another signal.

Definition in German

Bei Fahrzeugen durch Betätigen der Hupe ein hörbares Warnsignal erzeugen, das andere Verkehrsteilnehmer aufmerksam macht.

Word origin

Hupen is related to Hupe and ultimately reflects the imitative call "hup" used for a vehicle horn's sound.

Usage tips

  • For honking at a person or vehicle, German commonly uses the separable verb jemanden anhupen.

Opposites

Related words

  • die Hupehornnoun
  • das Hupenhonkingnoun

Word lists with this word