der Hai
shark
A usually large predatory fish that lives in the sea and is known for its sharp teeth.
EXAMPLE
Vor der Küste Australiens wurde ein Weißer Hai gesichtet.
A great white shark was spotted off the coast of Australia.
der Hai
shark
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Meanings
der Hai
shark
In a figurative sense, a ruthless, greedy, and aggressive person, especially in business.
EXAMPLE
Pass auf, in dieser Branche gibt es viele Finanzhaie, die nur auf deinen Fehler warten.
Be careful—in this industry there are many financial sharks just waiting for you to make a mistake.
Usage tips
Context clue
The meaning of 'Hai' (shark) is usually clear from the context. If the topic is the sea, animals, or biology, it refers to the fish. If the topic is business, finance, or ruthless behavior, it refers to a person.
EXAMPLE
Beim Tauchen haben wir einen Riffhai gesehen.
While diving, we saw a reef shark.
Figurative meaning
When 'Hai' (shark) is used for a person, the qualities of the predatory fish are transferred: aggressiveness, greed, and ruthlessness in a competitive environment.
EXAMPLE
In Verhandlungen ist er ein echter Hai, der immer den größten Vorteil für sich herausholt.
In negotiations, he is a real shark who always gets the biggest advantage for himself.
Typical compounds
In the figurative meaning, 'Hai' (shark) is often used as the second part of compound words to specify the person's field. Typical examples are 'Finanzhai' (financial shark) or 'Immobilienhai' (real estate shark).
EXAMPLE
Der Immobilienhai kaufte alte Häuser, um sie teuer weiterzuverkaufen.
The real estate shark bought old houses in order to resell them at a high price.
In real life
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