hm
hmm
Expresses that someone is thinking, hesitating, or does not yet know what to say.
EXAMPLE
Hm, lass mich kurz überlegen.
Hmm, let me think for a moment.
hm
hmm / huh / mmm
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Meanings
hm
hmm
Expresses doubt, reservations, or a restrained rejection.
EXAMPLE
Hm, ich glaube kaum, dass dein Plan funktioniert.
Hmm, I really doubt your plan will work.
hm
huh
Said with a questioning tone to indicate that you have not understood something or expect it to be repeated.
EXAMPLE
Hm, was hast du gerade gesagt?
Huh, what did you just say?
hm
mmm
Expresses pleasure or enjoyment, especially when eating.
EXAMPLE
Hm, schmeckt dieser Kuchen gut!
Mmm, this cake tastes so good!
Usage tips
Position and punctuation
'Hm' (hmm) often comes before the main sentence and is then separated from it by a comma. It is not a sentence constituent and therefore does not change the word order in the sentence that follows.
EXAMPLE
Hm, ich brauche noch etwas Zeit.
Hmm, I need a little more time.
Speech and writing
'Hm' (hmm) is typical of spoken language. In written dialogue and personal messages, it lets the reader hear a person's reaction; it is uncommon in factual reports.
EXAMPLE
„Hm, darüber muss ich erst nachdenken“, antwortete Lea.
“Hmm, I'll have to think about that first,” Lea replied.
Introducing reservations
Before an objection, 'hm' (hmm) often appears together with 'aber' (but) or before a cautious phrase such as 'ich bin nicht sicher' (I'm not sure). This softens the rejection instead of stating it directly right away.
EXAMPLE
Hm, aber dafür haben wir doch gar nicht genug Geld.
Hmm, but we don't have nearly enough money for that.
Questioning tone
When used to ask for repetition, 'hm' (huh) is spoken with rising intonation. In written dialogue, it can stand alone with a question mark.
EXAMPLE
Hm? Kannst du den letzten Satz bitte wiederholen?
Huh? Could you please repeat the last sentence?
Typical collocations
When eating, 'hm' (mmm) often comes before a short exclamation with 'lecker' (delicious) or a compliment using 'gut schmecken' (to taste good). In written dialogue, these words show that it expresses enjoyment.
EXAMPLE
Hm, lecker, die Erdbeeren sind ganz frisch!
Mmm, delicious, these strawberries are so fresh!
In real life
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