01
rau
rough
Describing a surface that is uneven, coarse, and not smooth.
example
Nach der Arbeit im Garten hatte er raue Hände.
After working in the garden, he had rough hands.
rau
rough
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 05
Usage tips
Context clue
You can recognize the exact meaning of 'rau' (rough) from the noun it describes. A 'raue Hand' (rough hand) is uneven, a 'raues Klima' (harsh climate) is inhospitable, and a 'raue Stimme' (hoarse voice) is hoarse.
EXAMPLE
Die raue Oberfläche des Steins fühlte sich interessant an.
The rough surface of the stone felt interesting.
Typical collocations
In its literal meaning, 'rau' (rough) often describes surfaces. Typical combinations are 'raue Hände' (rough hands), 'raue Haut' (rough skin), 'raues Holz' (rough wood), or 'rauer Stoff' (rough fabric).
EXAMPLE
Für diese Arbeit brauchst du Handschuhe, sonst bekommst du raue Hände.
You need gloves for this work, otherwise you'll get rough hands.
Weather and nature
In connection with nature, 'rau' (harsh) describes inhospitable and stormy conditions. Common phrases are 'ein raues Klima' (a harsh climate), 'eine raue See' (a rough sea), or 'ein rauer Wind' (a harsh wind).
EXAMPLE
Die Seefahrer kämpften gegen die raue See.
The sailors fought against the rough sea.
Describing a voice
When a voice is 'rau' (hoarse), it sounds hoarse or scratchy. The reason for it is often mentioned, for example 'vom Schreien' (from shouting), 'vom Singen' (from singing), or 'durch eine Erkältung' (because of a cold).
EXAMPLE
Seine Stimme ist von der Erkältung noch immer ganz rau.
His voice is still completely hoarse from the cold.
Fixed expression
The expression 'raue Schale, weicher Kern' (rough shell, soft core) describes a person who seems crude or unfriendly on the outside but actually has a good character.
EXAMPLE
Lass dich von seiner Art nicht täuschen. Er hat eine raue Schale, aber einen weichen Kern.
Don't be fooled by his manner. He has a rough exterior but a soft heart.
Fixed expression
The phrase 'in rauen Mengen' means 'a great deal' or 'in large quantities'. It is a fixed combination and is often used for things like food, drinks, or other consumer goods.
EXAMPLE
Auf der Party gab es Essen und Trinken in rauen Mengen.
At the party, there was food and drink in large quantities.
Compare with
rau vs fein
fine
'fein' and 'rau' form a clear contrast when talking about surfaces or material. 'fein' describes something very small, thin, or delicate, for example 'feiner Sand' (fine sand) or 'feines Mehl' (fine flour). 'rau' describes a surface that is uneven, coarse, or not smooth. So the difference is: 'fein' tends to feel soft, small, or smooth; 'rau' tends to feel scratchy or coarse.
rau
Nach der Renovierung war die Wand noch rau und musste geschliffen werden.
After the renovation, the wall was still rough and had to be sanded.
fein
Für den Kuchen braucht man sehr feinen Zucker.
You need very fine sugar for the cake.
In real life
Loading video examples...