01
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
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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.
Compare with
Hai vs Raubtier
predator
'der Hai' and 'das Raubtier' can both refer to a dangerous animal that hunts other animals. But a 'Hai' is a specific predatory fish in the sea. 'Raubtier' is more general and refers to many hunting animals; in biology, it especially refers to certain mammals. Both words can also be used figuratively for ruthless people, especially in business. In that case, 'Hai' often sounds like someone who is very greedy and negotiates aggressively. 'Raubtier' generally emphasizes aggression and exploitation. They can be confused because a shark is a predatory animal, but not every predator is a shark.
Hai
Beim Tauchen sahen die Urlauber plötzlich einen Hai in der Nähe des Riffs.
While diving, the vacationers suddenly saw a shark near the reef.
Raubtier
Der Löwe ist ein Raubtier und jagt andere Tiere, um zu überleben.
The lion is a predator and hunts other animals in order to survive.
In real life
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