01
der Höcker
hump
A distinct, rounded raised part on the back of certain animals, especially camels.
example
Ein Dromedar hat einen Höcker, ein Trampeltier hat zwei.
A dromedary has one hump; a Bactrian camel has two.
der Höcker
hump / bump
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clue
The context makes the meaning clear. If you are talking about animals like camels, the hump on the back is meant. In other contexts, such as an injury or an uneven road, a small bump is meant.
EXAMPLE
Das Kamel speichert Fett in seinem Höcker.
The camel stores fat in its hump.
Typical connection: animal
The best-known use of 'Höcker' (hump) refers to the back of a camel. The distinction between animals with one or two humps is a classic example of how the word is used.
EXAMPLE
Im Zoo haben wir Kamele mit zwei Höckern gesehen.
At the zoo, we saw camels with two humps.
Word family
The related adjective 'höckerig' means 'uneven' or 'bumpy.' If you remember 'höckerig' (bumpy), you can more easily remember the meaning of 'Höcker' (hump/bump) as an uneven raised area.
EXAMPLE
Vorsicht, der Feldweg ist sehr höckerig.
Careful, the dirt road is very bumpy.
Compare with
Höcker vs Erhebung
survey / elevation
'die Erhebung' and 'der Höcker' both describe something that is higher than its surroundings. 'die Erhebung' is used more for terrain, for example a hill or a small rise. 'der Höcker' is usually smaller, rounder, and more clearly defined. It fits especially with animals, as with a camel, or with a bump on a surface. For landscapes, 'Erhebung' sounds more natural; for a rounded hump or a small uneven raised area, 'Höcker' is more appropriate.
Höcker
Das Kamel trägt einen großen Höcker auf dem Rücken.
The camel has a large hump on its back.
Erhebung
Von der Erhebung am Waldrand sieht man den ganzen See.
From the rise at the edge of the forest, you can see the whole lake.
In real life
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