der Haufe
heap
A disorderly collection or pile of things lying loosely on top of one another.
EXAMPLE
Auf dem Schreibtisch lag ein großer Haufe Papiere.
There was a large heap of papers on the desk.
der Haufe
heap / bunch
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Meanings
der Haufe
bunch
A colloquial term for a large, disorganized group of people.
EXAMPLE
Ein ganzer Haufe Neugieriger hatte sich um die Unfallstelle versammelt.
A whole bunch of curious onlookers had gathered around the accident site.
der Haufe
pile of poop
A colloquial term, often considered crude, for a pile of feces, usually from an animal.
EXAMPLE
Pass auf, dass du nicht in den Hunde-Haufen trittst.
Watch out that you don't step in the dog poop.
Usage tips
Word family
'Der Haufe' belongs to the word family of 'häufen' (to pile up, to accumulate) and 'die Anhäufung' (accumulation). A 'Haufe' is the result when things or people accumulate.
EXAMPLE
Im Laufe der Woche häufte sich die schmutzige Wäsche im Korb.
Over the course of the week, the dirty laundry piled up in the basket.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'etwas über den Haufen werfen' means to completely change or discard a plan, an idea, or an order. It is very common in everyday language.
EXAMPLE
Wegen des starken Regens mussten wir unsere Pläne für das Picknick über den Haufen werfen.
Because of the heavy rain, we had to throw our plans for the picnic out the window.
Register and style
The word 'Haufe' usually describes a disorderly or chaotic collection. It often has a slightly negative or informal connotation, especially when used for people or messy things.
EXAMPLE
Auf seinem Schreibtisch türmte sich ein riesiger Haufe alter Zeitungen.
A huge heap of old newspapers was piling up on his desk.
Colloquial usage
In the meaning 'Kothaufen' (pile of feces), the word is very colloquial and is often considered crude or impolite. It is usually used in connection with animals, especially dogs.
EXAMPLE
Der Gärtner ärgerte sich über den Hunde-Haufen auf seinem Rasen.
The gardener was annoyed about the dog poop on his lawn.
Compare with
Haufe vs Gruppe
group
Die Gruppe neutrally refers to several people as a connected unit. Der Haufe is a colloquial term for a large, disorganized group of people and can sound derogatory. Use Gruppe for an objective description; Haufe can be appropriate for an intentionally disorderly or critical portrayal.
Haufe
Ein Haufe von Besuchern drängt sich ungeordnet vor dem Eingang.
A bunch of visitors is pushing and crowding together disorderly outside the entrance.
Gruppe
Eine Gruppe von Besuchern wartet geordnet vor dem Eingang.
A group of visitors is waiting in an orderly line outside the entrance.
In real life
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