01
die Höhle
cave
A natural underground hollow space in rock that is large enough for a person to enter.
example
In der Steinzeit lebten die Menschen oft in Höhlen.
In the Stone Age, people often lived in caves.
die Höhle
cave
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 03
Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'die Höhle' (cave) is related to the adjective 'hohl' (hollow). A Höhle is therefore literally a 'hollow' space, for example in a rock or underground.
EXAMPLE
Der Baumstamm war innen komplett hohl.
The tree trunk was completely hollow inside.
Typical collocations
In connection with natural caves, typical verbs are 'erforschen' (to explore), 'entdecken' (to discover), or 'sich verstecken' (to hide). A common compound is 'die Tropfsteinhöhle' (stalactite cave).
EXAMPLE
Als Kinder haben wir gerne die kleinen Höhlen im Wald erforscht.
As children, we liked exploring the small caves in the forest.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'sich in die Höhle des Löwen wagen' (to venture into the lion's den) means that someone deliberately enters a dangerous situation. It is often used figuratively.
EXAMPLE
Mit seiner Kritik am Chef hat er sich direkt in die Höhle des Löwen gewagt.
By criticizing the boss, he ventured straight into the lion's den.
Colloquial use
Using 'Höhle' (cave) for a room is purely colloquial and has a negative, derogatory meaning. It describes a messy, dark, and uncomfortable place.
EXAMPLE
Räum endlich mal auf, dein Zimmer ist eine einzige Höhle!
Finally clean up; your room is a complete cave!
Compare with
Höhle vs Bau
construction / building
'der Bau' and 'die Höhle' can both mean a sheltered place for animals. 'Bau' is especially used for animals that live underground or dig tunnels, for example foxes or badgers. 'Höhle' often means a natural hollow space in rock, but it can also be the shelter of animals such as bears or lions. The words can be confused because both can be an animal hideout. As a guide: a fox is more likely to have a 'Bau' (den / burrow), while a bear is more likely to live in a 'Höhle' (cave / den).
Höhle
In der Höhle fanden die Wanderer alte Spuren von Tieren.
In the cave, the hikers found old animal tracks.
Bau
Am Waldrand entdeckt das Kind den Bau eines Fuchses.
At the edge of the forest, the child discovers a fox's den.
In real life
Loading video examples...