01
die Augenbraue
eyebrow
The hairy arch above a person's eye.
example
Als er die überraschende Nachricht hörte, zog er ungläubig eine Augenbraue hoch.
When he heard the surprising news, he raised an eyebrow in disbelief.
die Augenbraue
eyebrow
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Meanings
Usage tips
Compound word
The word is a clear compound of 'Auge' (eye) and 'Braue' (brow). The 'n' in between is a linking element that connects the two words. 'Braue' is an old word for edge or arch.
EXAMPLE
Sie hat sehr dunkle Augenbrauen.
She has very dark eyebrows.
Verbs for facial expressions
Eyebrows are often used with verbs of facial expression. Typical phrases are 'die Augenbrauen hochziehen' (to raise one's eyebrows; surprise, doubt) or 'die Augenbrauen zusammenziehen' (to furrow one's eyebrows; concentration, anger).
EXAMPLE
Er zog skeptisch eine Augenbraue hoch, als er ihre Ausrede hörte.
He skeptically raised an eyebrow when he heard her excuse.
Singular/plural use
Pay attention to whether one or both eyebrows are meant. People often raise only 'eine Augenbraue' (one eyebrow) to express doubt, but they furrow 'die Augenbrauen' (the eyebrows; both) when thinking or angry.
EXAMPLE
Als er sich konzentrierte, zog er die Augenbrauen zusammen.
When he concentrated, he furrowed his eyebrows.
Compare with
Augenbraue vs Stirn
forehead
'die Stirn' and 'die Augenbraue' are both in the upper part of the face and can therefore be easy to confuse. 'Die Stirn' is the larger area of skin above the eyebrows up to the hairline. 'Die Augenbraue' is the hairy arch directly above the eye. When someone is thinking or skeptical, they may 'die Stirn runzeln' (furrow their brow); this creates wrinkles on the forehead. If you are talking about the hair above the eye, 'Augenbraue' is correct.
Augenbraue
Maria zieht eine Augenbraue hoch, weil sie die Antwort seltsam findet.
Maria raises an eyebrow because she finds the answer strange.
Stirn
Nach dem Sturz hatte Tom eine kleine Wunde an der Stirn.
After the fall, Tom had a small wound on his forehead.
In real life
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