01
die Hitze
heat
A state of very high temperature, especially in relation to the weather or fire.
example
Bei dieser Hitze im Sommer gehe ich am liebsten ins Schwimmbad.
In this summer heat, I prefer going to the swimming pool.
die Hitze
heat
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
'Die Hitze' (the heat) is the noun related to the adjective 'heiß' (hot). When something is very hot, people speak of 'großer Hitze' (great heat).
EXAMPLE
Die Suppe ist noch zu heiß, lass sie abkühlen.
The soup is still too hot; let it cool down.
Uncountable noun
When 'Hitze' (heat) describes the weather, it is usually used as an uncountable noun. People speak of 'großer Hitze' (great heat) or 'der Hitze' (the heat), but normally not of 'einer Hitze' (a heat).
EXAMPLE
Die extreme Hitze macht allen zu schaffen.
The extreme heat is making life difficult for everyone.
Typical collocations
Common adjectives used with 'Hitze' (heat) in connection with the weather are 'große' (great), 'extreme' (extreme), 'drückende' (oppressive), or 'unerträgliche' (unbearable) heat.
EXAMPLE
Morgen erwartet uns drückende Hitze mit hoher Luftfeuchtigkeit.
Tomorrow we can expect oppressive heat with high humidity.
Fixed expression
The expression 'in der Hitze des Gefechts' (in the heat of the battle/moment) is very common. It describes a situation full of stress or excitement in which someone acts or speaks without thinking.
EXAMPLE
Er hat sich entschuldigt; das war nur in der Hitze des Gefechts gesagt.
He apologized; that was only said in the heat of the moment.
Context clue
The meaning 'readiness to mate' is used exclusively in connection with animals. The context always makes clear what is meant here.
EXAMPLE
Der Tierarzt sagte, die Hündin sei in der Hitze.
The vet said the female dog was in heat.
Compare with
Hitze vs Temperatur
temperature
'die Temperatur' and 'die Hitze' both have to do with warmth. 'die Temperatur' is a measurement, for example 25 degrees or 38 degrees. It can be low, normal, or high. 'die Hitze', on the other hand, means a state of very high temperature, often in the weather, in a room, or near a fire. The words can be confused because a high temperature is often experienced as heat. If you mean a number or a measured value, 'Temperatur' fits. If you mean strong, unpleasant warmth, 'Hitze' fits.
Hitze
Wegen der Hitze bleiben die Schülerinnen heute in der Pause im Gebäude.
Because of the heat, the schoolgirls are staying inside the building during the break today.
Temperatur
Mein Nachbar misst am Wochenende die Temperatur im Kinderzimmer.
My neighbor measures the temperature in the children's room at the weekend.
In real life
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