taub
deaf
Having no ability to hear, or only a very limited ability to hear.
EXAMPLE
Mein Großvater ist auf dem rechten Ohr fast taub.
My grandfather is almost deaf in his right ear.
taub
deaf / numb
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
taub
numb
Referring to a body part: to be without feeling or sensation, as if it has fallen asleep.
EXAMPLE
Nach der Zahnbehandlung war meine Wange noch stundenlang taub.
After the dental treatment, my cheek was numb for hours.
taub
empty
With nuts or grains: containing no kernel; empty.
EXAMPLE
Viele der gesammelten Walnüsse waren leider taub und ungenießbar.
Unfortunately, many of the walnuts we collected were empty and inedible.
Usage tips
Context clues
The meaning of 'taub' becomes clear through the noun. If it refers to a person or an ear, it means 'nicht hörend' (not hearing/deaf). If it refers to a body part such as an arm or leg, it means 'gefühllos' (numb). If it refers to a nut or grain, it means 'leer' (empty).
EXAMPLE
Nach dem lauten Konzert waren meine Ohren ganz taub.
After the loud concert, my ears were completely numb.
Sentence structure for deafness
To describe partial deafness, you use the structure 'auf + dative + taub sein'. This is a very common construction.
EXAMPLE
Seit einem Unfall ist er auf dem linken Ohr taub.
Since an accident, he has been deaf in his left ear.
Typical collocations
When a body part is numb, this is often expressed with the verbs 'sein' (to be) or 'sich anfühlen' (to feel). You can also speak of 'einem tauben Gefühl' (a numb feeling).
EXAMPLE
Meine Finger fühlen sich vor Kälte ganz taub an.
My fingers feel completely numb from the cold.
Compare with
taub vs hohl
hollow
When describing a nut, both taub and hohl can indicate that there is nothing edible inside. taub specifically refers to the absence of a kernel, while hohl describes an empty interior more generally. taub is therefore more precise for a nut without a kernel.
taub
Diese Nuss ist taub und hat keinen Kern.
This nut is empty and has no kernel.
hohl
Diese Nussschale ist hohl und im Inneren völlig leer.
This nutshell is hollow and completely empty inside.
In real life
Loading video examples...