01
der Hieb
blow / strike
A forceful blow, usually with a weapon such as a sword or a tool such as an axe.
example
Mit einem gezielten Hieb spaltete er den Holzklotz.
With a well-aimed blow, he split the block of wood.
der Hieb
blow / cut
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'der Hieb' (blow/strike) is derived directly from the verb 'hauen' (to hit, to chop). A 'Hieb' is therefore the result of a chopping or striking movement.
EXAMPLE
Er hat mit der Axt auf das Holz gehauen.
He chopped at the wood with the axe.
Context clue
Whether a physical blow or a verbal attack is meant is revealed by the context. A physical 'Hieb' (blow/strike) often involves tools or weapons, while a verbal 'Hieb' (jab/dig) involves words, comments, or criticism.
EXAMPLE
Der Ritter parierte den Hieb mit seinem Schild.
The knight parried the blow with his shield.
Typical collocations
In the sense of a blow, 'Hieb' is often used with verbs such as 'austeilen' (to deliver), 'versetzen' (to give/land), or 'parieren' (to parry/deflect).
EXAMPLE
Der Boxer versetzte seinem Gegner einen schnellen Hieb.
The boxer landed a quick blow on his opponent.
Fixed expression
A common idiom is 'ein Hieb unter die Gürtellinie' (a blow below the belt). It refers to a very unfair, personally hurtful remark or action.
EXAMPLE
Ihm vorzuwerfen, er sei ein schlechter Vater, war ein Hieb unter die Gürtellinie.
Accusing him of being a bad father was a blow below the belt.
Register
In the meaning of 'Fällen von Bäumen' (felling trees), 'Hieb' is a technical term from forestry. You will hardly ever hear this meaning in everyday life.
EXAMPLE
Der Förster plant den nächsten Hieb für den kommenden Winter.
The forester is planning the next cutting for the coming winter.
Compare with
Hieb vs Spitze
tip / top / lace
'die Spitze' and 'der Hieb' can both mean a hurtful or mocking remark. 'die Spitze' is usually a short, subtle remark, often ironic and indirect. 'der Hieb' sounds stronger and harsher; the remark feels like a blow against someone. The words can be confused because both have to do with verbal attacks in a figurative sense. If the remark is rather small and pointed, 'Spitze' fits. If it is clearly sharp or hurtful, 'Hieb' fits better.
Hieb
Nach dem Gespräch war Noah verletzt, weil der Hieb seines Trainers sehr persönlich war.
After the conversation, Noah was hurt because his trainer's jab was very personal.
Spitze
Mit einer kleinen Spitze machte Tom klar, dass er mit dem Plan unzufrieden war.
With a little dig, Tom made it clear that he was unhappy with the plan.
In real life
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