01
die Rinde
bark
The outer, protective layer of the trunk, branches, and roots of trees and other woody plants.
example
Die Rinde der Platane blättert in großen Platten ab.
The bark of the plane tree peels off in large plates.
die Rinde
bark / rind
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Meanings
01 / 03
Usage tips
The outer layer
All meanings of 'Rinde' describe an outer, often protective layer. The context makes it clear whether it is about a tree (m01), a food (m02), or an organ (m03).
EXAMPLE
Die raue Rinde der Eiche bietet vielen Insekten Schutz.
The rough bark of the oak offers protection to many insects.
Typical adjectives
The bark of trees is often described with adjectives that characterize its surface. Common combinations are 'raue Rinde' (rough bark), 'glatte Rinde' (smooth bark), or 'rissige Rinde' (cracked bark).
EXAMPLE
Die Birke erkennt man an ihrer weißen, glatten Rinde.
You can recognize the birch by its white, smooth bark.
Typical verbs
In connection with foods, the verbs 'abschneiden' (to cut off) and 'mitessen' (to eat as well) are very typical. It is often about whether the rind or crust is edible or not.
EXAMPLE
Soll ich die Rinde vom Brot abschneiden?
Should I cut the crust off the bread?
Fixed compounds
In medical terminology, 'Rinde' almost always appears as the second part of a compound word. Examples are 'Großhirnrinde' (cerebral cortex), 'Nierenrinde' (renal cortex), or 'Nebennierenrinde' (adrenal cortex).
EXAMPLE
Die Nierenrinde ist ein wichtiger Teil des Organs.
The renal cortex is an important part of the organ.
Compare with
Rinde vs Haut
skin
'die Haut' and 'die Rinde' can both mean an outer, protective layer. 'Haut' is used mainly for humans and animals, but also for thin layers on some fruits or vegetables. 'Rinde' is especially used for trees and for certain foods such as bread or cheese. The words can be confused because both cover something on the outside. What sounds natural, however, is 'die Haut des Arms' (the skin of the arm), 'die Rinde des Baums' (the bark of the tree), and 'die Rinde des Brotes' (the crust of the bread). With fruit or vegetables, it depends on the type of outer layer.
Rinde
Paula berührt die raue Rinde des alten Baums.
Paula touches the rough bark of the old tree.
Haut
Bei kaltem Wetter wird die Haut an meinen Händen schnell trocken.
In cold weather, the skin on my hands quickly gets dry.
In real life
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