tusk / miner / winegrower
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tusk
A long, pointed tooth that protrudes from the mouth of certain animals such as wild boars, elephants, or walruses.
Das Wildschwein verteidigte sich mit seinen scharfen Hauern.
The wild boar defended itself with its sharp tusks.
The word 'Hauer' derives from the verb 'hauen' (to hit, to hew, to chisel). This connection explains the different meanings: the miner hews the rock, the animal strikes with its tooth, and the winegrower works the vineyard.
Der Steinmetz haute die Buchstaben in den Grabstein.
The stonemason chiseled the letters into the gravestone.
The three meanings are very different and become clear from context. If people are talking about animals, the tooth is meant. In connection with mining, it refers to the miner. In Austria, in the context of wine, it means the winegrower.
Die Stoßzähne von Elefanten sind wertvolle Hauer aus Elfenbein.
Elephants' tusks are valuable ivory tusks.
The occupational title 'Hauer' for a miner is mainly historical today. You often find it in texts about the history of mining, especially in the Ruhr region or Saarland.
Das Museum ehrt die harte Arbeit der Hauer im 19. Jahrhundert.
The museum honors the hard work of the miners in the 19th century.
The term 'Hauer' for a winegrower is typical of Austria and is widespread there. In Germany, this term is not commonly used for that meaning.
Viele Wiener Hauer haben ihre Weingärten direkt am Stadtrand.
Many Viennese winegrowers have their vineyards right on the outskirts of the city.
tooth
'der Zahn' and 'der Hauer' can both refer to a tooth in an animal. 'Zahn' is the general word and works for humans and animals. 'Hauer' is much more specific: it means a long, pointed tooth that sticks out of the mouth of certain animals, for example a wild boar or an elephant. The words can be confused because a Hauer is also a tooth. But not every tooth is a Hauer. For normal teeth, say 'Zahn'; for noticeable long animal teeth, say 'Hauer'.
Im Tierpark sieht man die langen Hauer des Wildschweins gut.
At the animal park, you can clearly see the wild boar's long tusks.
Der Hund zeigt seine Zähne, aber er bleibt ruhig.
The dog shows its teeth, but it stays calm.