01
hoch
high / tall
Describes a large vertical extent; the opposite of low.
example
Der Mount Everest ist der höchste Berg der Welt.
Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world.
hoch
high
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Special form
When 'hoch' (high) comes before a noun and receives an ending, the word stem changes: the 'c' is dropped. 'hoch' then becomes 'hoh-'. This is an important and fixed rule.
EXAMPLE
Das ist ein sehr hohes Gebäude.
That is a very tall building.
Word family
The adjective 'hoch' (high) is the basis for the noun 'die Höhe' (height) and the verb 'erhöhen' (to increase). If you learn these words together, you can remember the meaning more easily.
EXAMPLE
Die Höhe des Turms beträgt über 200 Meter.
The height of the tower is over 200 meters.
Abstract use
Very often, 'hoch' (high) describes not only physical height, but also a large amount or high intensity in abstract things. Typical combinations are a high price, high quality, a high risk, or a high fever.
EXAMPLE
Die Nachfrage nach diesem Produkt ist sehr hoch.
Demand for this product is very high.
Social rank
In social or professional contexts, 'hoch' (high) describes an important position or important status. For example, people speak of 'eine hohe Position' (a high-ranking position) or 'ein hohes Tier' (literally: a high animal; colloquial for an important person).
EXAMPLE
Er hat einen hohen Rang beim Militär.
He has a high rank in the military.
Sounds and voices
In music or speech, 'hoch' (high) describes a high frequency. Typical combinations are 'eine hohe Stimme' (a high voice) or 'ein hoher Ton' (a high note/sound).
EXAMPLE
Das Baby macht ganz hohe Geräusche.
The baby is making very high-pitched noises.
Compare with
hoch vs lang
long
'lang' and 'hoch' both describe a large extent, but in different directions. 'lang' means an extent in length, for example from left to right or from one end to the other. 'hoch' means an extent upward, that is, height. You can confuse the words when talking about measurements. A tower is 'hoch' (high / tall), while a rope is 'lang' (long). For people, you usually say 'groß' (tall), not 'hoch' and not 'lang'.
hoch
Im Park steht eine hohe Mauer neben dem Spielplatz.
There is a high wall in the park next to the playground.
lang
Für das Zelt brauchen wir ein langes Seil.
We need a long rope for the tent.
In real life
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