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.
brain / mind
In a figurative sense, the mind, intelligence, or the ability to think.
Schalt doch mal dein Hirn ein, bevor du etwas sagst!
Use your brain before you say something!
brains
The brain of an animal prepared as food.
In manchen traditionellen Küchen gilt gebratenes Hirn als Delikatesse.
In some traditional cuisines, fried brains are considered a delicacy.
'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.
mind / reason
Both words can refer to the ability to think. „Verstand“ is the neutral term for clear judgment, while „Hirn“ in this figurative sense sounds more colloquial and often more direct. „Verstand“ works well in a factual statement; in a casual request, „Hirn“ can be equally idiomatic.
Bitte gebrauche dein Hirn und prüfe die Entscheidung noch einmal.
Please use your brain and reconsider the decision.
Bitte gebrauche deinen Verstand und prüfe die Entscheidung noch einmal.
Please use your judgment and reconsider the decision.
