01
rauh
rough
Describing a surface that is not smooth, but uneven, grainy, or irregular. This is an outdated spelling of 'rau' (rough).
example
Die rauhe Zunge der Katze fühlte sich an wie Sandpapier.
The cat's rough tongue felt like sandpaper.
rauh
rough
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Outdated spelling
The spelling 'rauh' is outdated. Since the German spelling reform of 1996, only the spelling 'rau' is correct. In modern texts, you should always use 'rau'.
EXAMPLE
Die Oberfläche des Steins ist sehr rau.
The surface of the stone is very rough.
Literal and figurative
The word can literally describe an uneven surface, but it is also often used figuratively. It can then refer to an unpleasant climate, a scratchy voice, or an unfriendly tone.
EXAMPLE
Nach der Gartenarbeit hatte er raue Hände.
After gardening, he had rough hands.
Meaning: approximate
In the meaning 'grob' (rough) or 'ungefähr' (approximate), the word is often combined with concepts such as estimates, plans, or ideas. A typical phrase is 'in rauen Zügen' (in broad outline).
EXAMPLE
Können Sie mir eine raue Schätzung der Kosten geben?
Can you give me a rough estimate of the costs?
Compare with
rauh vs genau
exact / precise
'genau' and 'rauh' are opposites here when 'rauh' is meant in the sense of rough or approximate. 'genau' means that something is exact, precise, and as free of errors as possible. 'rauh' then describes only a rough estimate or information that is not detailed. Important: this spelling, 'rauh', is outdated; today people usually write 'rau'. For the opposite of 'genau', it is not the surface or the voice that is meant, but the meaning 'approximate'.
rauh
Für die Reise haben wir zuerst nur eine rauhe Kostenschätzung gemacht.
For the trip, we first made only a rough cost estimate.
genau
Die Ärztin möchte die genaue Uhrzeit wissen, zu der die Schmerzen begonnen haben.
The doctor wants to know the exact time when the pain began.
In real life
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