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
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Meanings
rau
harsh
Describing the weather or the sea when it is stormy, cold, and inhospitable.
EXAMPLE
An der Küste herrscht oft ein raues Klima.
The coast often has a harsh climate.
rau
hoarse
Describing a voice that sounds hoarse, scratchy, and deep.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Konzert war seine Stimme vom vielen Singen ganz rau.
After the concert, his voice was completely hoarse from all the singing.
rau
rough
Describing behavior or tone when it is crude, unfriendly, and unpolished.
EXAMPLE
Unter der rauen Schale des Kapitäns verbarg sich ein weicher Kern.
Under the captain's rough exterior, there was a soft heart.
raue Mengen
large quantities
A very large, uncounted amount of something.
EXAMPLE
Auf dem Festival gab es Bier in rauen Mengen.
At the festival, there was beer in large quantities.
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 hart
hard
When describing the climate or living conditions, both „hart“ and „rau“ can fit. „Rau“ refers more strongly to cold, wind, and inhospitability, while „hart“ evaluates how demanding and difficult life there is. Choose „rau“ for the external conditions and „hart“ for their effect on people.
rau
Das Leben in den Bergen war rau, weil kalter Wind und Sturm häufig waren.
Life in the mountains was harsh because cold winds and storms were frequent.
hart
Das Leben in den Bergen war hart, weil die Menschen täglich schwere Arbeit leisten mussten.
Life in the mountains was hard because people had to do heavy work every day.
In real life
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