01
der Hase
hare
A mammal with long ears and strong hind legs that can run fast and is related to the rabbit.
example
Auf dem Feld saß ein großer Hase und putzte sich die Ohren.
A large hare was sitting in the field, cleaning its ears.
der Hase
hare / bunny
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Fixed expression
The idiom 'wissen, wie der Hase läuft' is a fixed unit. It means that you understand a situation or know the usual procedures. The 'Hase' (hare) is not meant literally here.
EXAMPLE
Frag den neuen Kollegen nicht, er weiß noch nicht, wie der Hase hier läuft.
Don't ask the new colleague; he doesn't know how things work here yet.
Register and style
As a pet name, 'Hase' (bunny/sweetheart) is very informal and is used only for people close to you, such as a partner or a child. It is often combined with a possessive pronoun like 'mein' (my).
EXAMPLE
Mein Hase, könntest du mir bitte helfen?
My sweetheart, could you please help me?
Cultural context
The 'Osterhase' (Easter Bunny) is a central figure in German Easter tradition. According to legend, he paints the eggs and hides them in the garden for the children.
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder können es kaum erwarten, dass der Osterhase kommt.
The children can hardly wait for the Easter Bunny to come.
Another idiom
Another common idiom is 'da liegt der Hase im Pfeffer'. It means that you have found the real reason or the actual difficulty behind a problem.
EXAMPLE
Das Geld fehlt, genau da liegt der Hase im Pfeffer!
The money is missing—that's exactly where the real problem lies!
Compare with
Hase vs Schatz
darling / treasure
'Schatz' and 'Hase' can both be used as affectionate pet names for a person. 'Schatz' is very common and works for partners and children. 'Hase' is colloquial and often sounds more playful or cuter. The words can be confused because both occur in similar private situations. The difference is mainly in tone: 'Schatz' sounds more general and a little more neutrally affectionate, while 'Hase' sounds more familiar and playful.
Hase
Nach dem Essen fragt Tom: „Na, Hase, wollen wir noch spazieren gehen?“
After dinner, Tom asks, "Well, bunny, shall we go for a walk?"
Schatz
Daniel nennt seine Frau oft Schatz, wenn er mit ihr telefoniert.
Daniel often calls his wife darling when he talks to her on the phone.
In real life
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