das Haupt
head
The head of a person or animal, especially in elevated or poetic language.
EXAMPLE
Sie legte dem verletzten Mann vorsichtig die Hand auf das Haupt.
She carefully placed her hand on the injured man's head.
das Haupt
head
das Haupt, die Häupter
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Meanings
das Haupt
head
A leading or authoritative person who heads a group, family, or organization.
EXAMPLE
Als Haupt der Familie traf er die wichtigsten Entscheidungen.
As the head of the family, he made the most important decisions.
an Haupt und Gliedern
root and branch
Thoroughly and completely, so that a change affects the leadership and all parts of an organization; usually used with verbs such as „reformieren“ (to reform) or „erneuern“ (to renew).
EXAMPLE
Die Partei muss an Haupt und Gliedern erneuert werden.
The party must be renewed root and branch.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Haupt, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Häupter |
| genitive | des Haupts |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Haupt | die Häupter |
| accusative | das Haupt | die Häupter |
| dative | dem Haupt | den Häuptern |
| genitive | des Haupts des Hauptes | der Häupter |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Elevated style
As a standalone noun, „das Haupt“ (head) is mainly used in elevated, poetic, or religious language. In fixed compounds, however, the element „Haupt-“ is also highly productive in factual texts.
EXAMPLE
Der Reiter senkte das Haupt und schwieg.
The rider lowered his head and fell silent.
Das Hauptgebäude wird im nächsten Jahr renoviert.
The main building will be renovated next year.
Genitive construction
When it means a leading person, „das Haupt“ (head) is often used with a genitive phrase that identifies the associated group: „das Haupt der Familie“ (the head of the family) or „das Haupt des Vereins“ (the head of the association).
EXAMPLE
Das Haupt der Familie begrüßte alle Gäste persönlich.
The head of the family personally welcomed all the guests.
Fixed expression
„An Haupt und Gliedern“ (root and branch) is an elevated fixed expression. It is usually used with verbs such as „reformieren“ (to reform), „erneuern“ (to renew), or „verändern“ (to change), and emphasizes that a change affects not only the leadership but all parts of an organization.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Skandal wurde der Verband an Haupt und Gliedern reformiert.
After the scandal, the association was reformed root and branch.
In real life
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