01
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
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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 Leder
leather
'die Haut' and 'das Leder' are closely related because leather is made from animal skin. 'Haut' means the living or natural outer layer of humans and animals. 'Leder' is a processed material used to make things like shoes, bags, or jackets. The words can be confused because both have to do with animal skin. But you do not use 'Leder' for the skin of a living person or animal. And for finished products, you normally say 'Leder', not 'Haut'.
Haut
Nach dem langen Tag in der Sonne ist meine Haut sehr trocken.
After the long day in the sun, my skin is very dry.
Leder
Die Tasche aus Leder hält schon seit vielen Jahren.
The leather bag has lasted for many years.
In real life
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