die Hülle
cover / case
An outer layer, packaging, or casing that encloses something in order to protect it or hold it together.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe mir eine neue Hülle für mein Smartphone gekauft.
I bought myself a new case for my smartphone.
die Hülle
cover / shell
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Meanings
in Hülle und Fülle
in abundance
Present in large quantities, in abundance.
EXAMPLE
Auf dem Erntedankfest gab es Obst und Gemüse in Hülle und Fülle.
At the harvest festival, there was fruit and vegetables in abundance.
die Hülle
shell
The physical body or outward appearance of a person, as opposed to their inner self, mind, or soul.
EXAMPLE
Manche Philosophen betrachten den Körper nur als sterbliche Hülle der Seele.
Some philosophers regard the body merely as the mortal shell of the soul.
Usage tips
Word family
'Die Hülle' belongs to the verb '(um)hüllen', which means 'to wrap' or 'to surround'. So the 'Hülle' is what encloses something.
EXAMPLE
Der Nebel hüllte die ganze Stadt ein.
The fog enveloped the whole city.
Word formation
The word 'Hülle' is very productive and forms many useful compound nouns. Examples include 'Handyhülle' (phone case), 'Schutzhülle' (protective cover), 'Plastikhülle' (plastic sleeve), or 'Kissenhülle' (pillowcase).
EXAMPLE
Ohne eine Schutzhülle geht mein Handy schnell kaputt.
Without a protective case, my phone breaks quickly.
Fixed expression
The expression 'in Hülle und Fülle' is a fixed unit and means 'a great deal' or 'in abundance'. The words cannot be changed or separated.
EXAMPLE
Auf dem Buffet gab es Essen und Trinken in Hülle und Fülle.
At the buffet, there was food and drink in abundance.
Register
The meaning 'Körper als Hülle der Seele' (body as the shell of the soul) is philosophical or literary. This meaning is not used in normal everyday life.
EXAMPLE
Der Roman beschreibt den Körper als vergängliche Hülle.
The novel describes the body as a transient shell.
Compare with
Hülle vs Körper
body
Körper is the neutral term for the physical structure of a person. Hülle can also refer to the physical part, but it is a clear metaphor: the person is presented as an outer vessel for their inner self, spirit, or soul.
Hülle
Im religiösen Text wird die Hülle der unsterblichen Seele gegenübergestellt.
The religious text contrasts the shell with the immortal soul.
Körper
Im Sachtext wird der Körper als physischer Teil des Menschen beschrieben.
The textbook describes the body as the physical part of a person.
In real life
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