01
das Ohr
ear
The body organ with which humans and animals can hear and maintain balance.
example
Mein linkes Ohr tut seit gestern weh.
My left ear has been hurting since yesterday.
das Ohr
ear
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Typical collocations
In connection with the body part, 'Ohr' (ear) is often used in fixed expressions. Typical examples are 'jemandem ins Ohr flüstern' (to whisper in someone's ear), 'sich die Ohren zuhalten' (to cover one's ears), or 'auf einem Ohr taub sein' (to be deaf in one ear).
EXAMPLE
Er flüsterte ihr ein Geheimnis ins Ohr.
He whispered a secret in her ear.
Sentence structure with 'für'
When 'Ohr' (ear) describes musical talent, it is almost always used with the preposition 'für' (for) and an accusative object. The structure is: 'ein (gutes) Ohr für etwas haben' (to have a good ear for something).
EXAMPLE
Ein guter Lektor braucht ein Ohr für die Sprache.
A good editor needs an ear for language.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'ein offenes Ohr für jemanden/etwas haben' (to have an open ear for someone/something) is a fixed unit. It means that you are willing to listen to another person's worries or problems.
EXAMPLE
Meine Lehrerin hatte immer ein offenes Ohr für die Probleme der Schüler.
My teacher always had an open ear for the students' problems.
Fixed expression
The expression 'ganz Ohr sein' (to be all ears) is a fixed expression that means you are giving someone your full attention. It is often used as a direct invitation to speak.
EXAMPLE
Du hattest Neuigkeiten? Ich bin ganz Ohr!
You had news? I'm all ears!
Context clue
You can always recognize the meaning 'Henkel' (handle) or 'Griff' (grip/handle) from the context. When objects like a cup, jug, or bag are being discussed, this part is meant.
EXAMPLE
Kannst du mir den Korb mit den großen Ohren geben?
Can you give me the basket with the large handles?
Compare with
Ohr vs Gehör
hearing
'das Ohr' and 'das Gehör' are both related to hearing, but they do not mean the same thing. The ear is the body part that you can see and touch. Hearing is the ability to hear. So you can have pain in your ear, but have good or bad hearing. The words are easy to confuse because both are used in the same area. As a guide: body part = 'Ohr', ability to hear = 'Gehör'.
Ohr
Seit dem Schwimmen tut mir das rechte Ohr weh.
Since swimming, my right ear has been hurting.
Gehör
Der Fahrer bemerkte das Fahrrad nicht, weil sein Gehör auf einer Seite schlecht ist.
The driver did not notice the bicycle because his hearing is poor on one side.
In real life
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