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
der Hieb
jab / dig
A sharp, hurtful, or mocking remark directed at someone.
EXAMPLE
Sein letzter Kommentar war ein direkter Hieb gegen seine Konkurrenten.
His last comment was a direct jab at his competitors.
der Hieb
cutting
In forestry, the planned felling of trees in a specific section of forest.
EXAMPLE
Der für dieses Jahr geplante Hieb musste wegen des schlechten Wetters verschoben werden.
The cutting planned for this year had to be postponed because of the bad weather.
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
Spitze and Hieb can both refer to a critical remark. Spitze usually sounds brief, pointed, or ironic, whereas Hieb comes across more as a sharp and hurtful attack. Spitze is more suitable for subtle criticism, while Hieb is more suitable for a forceful attack.
Hieb
Im Interview reagierte die Schauspielerin mit einem verletzenden Hieb auf die Kritik.
In the interview, the actress responded to the criticism with a hurtful jab.
Spitze
Im Interview reagierte die Schauspielerin mit einer ironischen Spitze auf die Kritik.
In the interview, the actress responded to the criticism with an ironic barb.
In real life
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