German INTERJECTION B2 Rank 23114

uh

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Meanings

uh

Expresses fear or fright at something.

EXAMPLE

Uh, ist das unheimlich hier im dunklen Keller!

Uh, this place is creepy in the dark basement!

uh

Expresses physical discomfort, especially due to cold.

EXAMPLE

Uh, ist das Wasser kalt!

Uh, the water is cold!

uh

Expresses disgust or revulsion.

EXAMPLE

Uh, das stinkt ja fürchterlich!

Ugh, that smells terrible!

Usage tips

Colloquial exclamation

'Uh' is mainly used in spontaneous spoken language and usually appears in written texts in dialogue, chats, or personal messages. It is rare in formal texts.

EXAMPLE

„Uh, das war knapp!“, rief sie nach dem Bremsmanöver.

'Uh, that was close!' she shouted after the braking maneuver.

Sentence position

'Uh' often stands alone or at the beginning of an exclamation and is usually separated from the rest of the sentence by a comma. The exclamation can also consist only of 'Uh!'

EXAMPLE

Uh, warum ist es hier plötzlich so dunkel?

Uh, why is it suddenly so dark in here?

Uh! Ich habe mich erschreckt.

Uh! I got scared.

Context clues

The words and situations that follow often show which reaction is meant: references to a frightening situation, cold, or an unpleasant smell give the exclamation different meanings.

EXAMPLE

Uh, dieser Keller macht mir Angst.

Uh, this basement scares me.

Uh, der Wind ist eiskalt.

Uh, the wind is ice-cold.

Uh, aus dem Kühlschrank kommt ein übler Geruch.

Uh, there's a horrible smell coming from the refrigerator.

In real life

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