die Haut
skin
The outer organ that covers and protects the body of humans and animals.
EXAMPLE
Man sollte seine Haut mit Sonnencreme vor der Sonne schützen.
You should protect your skin from the sun with sunscreen.
die Haut
skin
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Meanings
die Haut
skin
The thin outer layer or peel of certain fruits and vegetables.
EXAMPLE
Die Haut von diesem Pfirsich ist ganz weich.
The skin of this peach is very soft.
seine Haut retten
to save one's skin
An idiomatic expression that means to get oneself out of a dangerous or very unpleasant situation.
EXAMPLE
Er hat gelogen, nur um seine eigene Haut zu retten.
He lied just to save his own skin.
aus der Haut fahren
to fly off the handle
An idiomatic expression that means to suddenly become very angry and lose control.
EXAMPLE
Bei so viel Dummheit könnte ich aus der Haut fahren!
With so much stupidity, I could fly off the handle!
Usage tips
Typical collocations
In connection with human skin, adjectives such as 'trocken' (dry), 'empfindlich' (sensitive), or 'blass' (pale) are often used. A typical verb is 'die Haut pflegen' (to care for one's skin).
EXAMPLE
Im Winter habe ich immer sehr trockene Haut.
In winter, I always have very dry skin.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'sich wohl in seiner Haut fühlen' (to feel comfortable in one's own skin) means to be satisfied with oneself and at peace with oneself. The possessive pronoun changes to match the person.
EXAMPLE
Seit ich den neuen Job habe, fühle ich mich wieder wohl in meiner Haut.
Since I got the new job, I feel comfortable in my own skin again.
Context clue
When 'Haut' (skin) is used in connection with fruit or vegetables, it means 'Schale' (peel/skin). The food context makes the meaning clear.
EXAMPLE
Bei diesem Apfel kannst du die Haut mitessen.
With this apple, you can eat the skin.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'seine Haut retten' (to save one's skin) means to get oneself out of a dangerous situation. It is often used when someone is thinking only of their own advantage.
EXAMPLE
Als die Polizei kam, verriet er seine Freunde, um seine eigene Haut zu retten.
When the police came, he betrayed his friends to save his own skin.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'aus der Haut fahren' (to fly off the handle) means to become very angry and lose control. It is often used with 'könnte' (could) to express great annoyance.
EXAMPLE
Wenn ich diese Ungerechtigkeit sehe, könnte ich aus der Haut fahren.
When I see this injustice, I could fly off the handle.
Compare with
Haut vs Schale
shell / bowl
Haut and Schale can both refer to the outer layer of a fruit. Haut is used especially for a thin layer, while Schale usually refers to a firmer or easily removable covering. However, the usual choice also depends on the particular fruit and common usage.
Haut
Vor dem Kochen zieht sie die dünne Haut von der Tomate ab.
Before cooking, she removes the thin skin from the tomato.
Schale
Vor dem Essen entfernt sie die feste Schale von der Orange.
Before eating, she removes the firm peel from the orange.
In real life
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