cornea / callus
die Hornhaut, die Hornhäute
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cornea
The transparent, curved front layer of the eye that covers the pupil and the iris. It is important for refracting light and protecting the eye.
Bei der Operation wurde die Hornhaut des Patienten transplantiert.
During the operation, the patient's cornea was transplanted.
callus
A thickened, hard layer of skin that forms through repeated pressure or friction, typically on the hands or feet.
Durch die viele Gartenarbeit habe ich Hornhaut an den Händen bekommen.
From doing so much gardening, I developed calluses on my hands.
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Hornhäute |
| genitive | der Hornhaut |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Hornhaut | die Hornhäute |
| accusative | die Hornhaut | die Hornhäute |
| dative | der Hornhaut | den Hornhäuten |
| genitive | der Hornhaut | der Hornhäute |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
The word is made up of 'Horn' (horn) and 'Haut' (skin). This compound describes something that is hard or resistant like horn. That fits both the tough skin on hands and feet and the protective layer of the eye.
Die harte Arbeit im Garten führte zu Hornhaut an seinen Händen.
The hard work in the garden led to calluses on his hands.
You can easily recognize which meaning is intended from context. If people are talking about eyes, vision, or an operation, it means the layer in the eye. If it is about hands, feet, friction, or skin care, it means the thickened skin.
Der Augenarzt prüfte, ob die Hornhaut beschädigt war.
The ophthalmologist checked whether the cornea was damaged.
In the medical context of the eye, typical combinations are 'Hornhautverkrümmung' (astigmatism), 'Hornhautentzündung' (corneal inflammation), or 'Hornhauttransplantation' (corneal transplant).
Eine Hornhautverkrümmung kann mit einer Brille korrigiert werden.
Astigmatism can be corrected with glasses.
When referring to thickened skin, typical verbs are 'bekommen' (to get), 'haben' (to have), or 'entfernen' (to remove). Calluses usually form 'an den Händen' (on the hands) or 'an den Füßen' (on the feet).
Vom vielen Gitarrespielen habe ich Hornhaut an den Fingerkuppen bekommen.
From playing a lot of guitar, I developed calluses on my fingertips.
