der Hauch
touch
A very small amount or barely noticeable trace of something.
EXAMPLE
Die Suppe braucht noch einen Hauch von Salz.
The soup still needs a touch of salt.
der Hauch
touch / breath
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Meanings
der Hauch
breath / draft
A light current of air produced when breathing out, or a gentle gust of wind.
EXAMPLE
Ein kalter Hauch zog durch das offene Fenster.
A cold draft came through the open window.
der Hauch
touch / air
A special atmosphere or aura that comes from something or someone.
EXAMPLE
Das alte Schloss umgab ein Hauch von Melancholie.
The old castle was surrounded by an air of melancholy.
Usage tips
Word family
'Der Hauch' (breath, touch) is closely related to the verb 'hauchen' (to breathe softly, to whisper). This connection helps you understand the meanings: a light draft of air (like breath), a tiny amount (as little as a breath), or a subtle atmosphere.
EXAMPLE
Sie hauchte ihm ein Geheimnis ins Ohr.
She whispered a secret into his ear.
Fixed construction
In its figurative meaning, 'Hauch' (touch, hint) is almost always used in the construction 'ein Hauch von + noun' (a touch/hint of + noun). It describes a very small amount or a subtle quality.
EXAMPLE
Das Kleid hat einen Hauch von Nostalgie.
The dress has a touch of nostalgia.
Context clue
Whether 'ein Hauch von' (a touch/hint of) means a small amount or an atmosphere can be recognized from the noun that follows. Substances such as 'Salz' (salt) or 'Farbe' (color) point to an amount, while abstract terms such as 'Eleganz' (elegance) or 'Traurigkeit' (sadness) describe an atmosphere.
EXAMPLE
Die Wandfarbe hat einen Hauch von Grau.
The wall color has a touch of gray.
Literal meaning
In its literal meaning, 'Hauch' (breath, draft) describes a light current of air. It is often combined with adjectives that describe temperature, such as 'ein kalter Hauch' (a cold draft) or 'ein warmer Hauch' (a warm breath).
EXAMPLE
Als er die Tür öffnete, spürte er einen eisigen Hauch.
When he opened the door, he felt an icy draft.
Compare with
Hauch vs Spur
track / trace
Spur and Hauch can both refer to a very small amount. Spur tends to suggest a small amount that is still perceptible, while Hauch emphasizes an impression that is barely noticeable. That is why Hauch is often the better choice when something can only be smelled or tasted very faintly.
Hauch
In der Suppe war nur ein Hauch von Knoblauch zu schmecken.
There was only a touch of garlic in the soup.
Spur
In der Suppe war noch eine Spur Knoblauch zu schmecken.
There was still a trace of garlic in the soup.
In real life
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