brain
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brain
The organ in the head of humans and animals that is used for thinking, feeling, and controlling the body. It is a more everyday term for 'Gehirn' (brain).
Das menschliche Hirn verbraucht einen großen Teil der Körperenergie.
The human brain uses a large part of the body's energy.
'Hirn' (brain) is a short, old word and forms the basis for many compounds. You can find it in words like 'Hirnforschung' (brain research), 'Hirnschlag' (stroke), or 'Hirngespinst' (figment of the imagination).
Die Hirnforschung macht ständig neue Entdeckungen.
Brain research is constantly making new discoveries.
In the figurative meaning of 'Verstand' (mind / common sense), 'Hirn' (brain) is often used in colloquial language, especially in commands or emotional exclamations.
Benutz doch mal dein Hirn und denk nach!
Use your brain for once and think!
There are many fixed idioms with 'Hirn' (brain). Common ones are 'sich das Hirn zermartern' (to rack one's brains) or 'sein Hirn einschalten' (to start thinking / use one's brain).
Ich zermartere mir schon den ganzen Tag das Hirn über dieses Problem.
I've been racking my brains over this problem all day.
The meaning 'Lebensmittel' (food) is clear when the word appears in the context of cooking, eating, or recipes. Verbs like 'braten' (to fry), 'zubereiten' (to prepare), or 'servieren' (to serve) are clear signals.
Auf der Speisekarte des traditionellen Restaurants stand auch gebratenes Hirn.
Fried brains were also on the menu at the traditional restaurant.
spirit / mind
'der Geist' and 'das Hirn' can both have to do with thinking and understanding. 'Geist' more often refers to the inner ability to think, feel, and will. It sounds more abstract. 'Hirn' first refers to the organ in the head, but in everyday language it can also mean the mind or intelligence. Learners may confuse the words because both are used to talk about thinking. When talking about the organ, or very colloquially about the head, 'Hirn' fits. When talking about thinking, ideas, or mental abilities, 'Geist' is often a better fit.
Das Hirn braucht Pausen, wenn man lange konzentriert arbeitet.
The brain needs breaks when you work with concentration for a long time.
Nach dem Spaziergang war mein Geist wieder klar.
After the walk, my mind was clear again.