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A2 noun #2,000 le plus courant 7 min de lecture

Höhe

Top 2,000

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces Höhe en 30 secondes

Explication Höhe in your Level:

At the A1 level, you learn 'Höhe' as a basic word for 'height'. You might use it to describe a building or a mountain in a very simple way. You learn that it is a feminine noun ('die Höhe'). At this stage, you focus on the physical meaning. For example: 'Der Berg hat eine Höhe von 2000 Metern.' You also learn the adjective 'hoch' (high) and how it relates to the noun. It's important to start distinguishing it from 'Größe' (size/height of a person) early on, although A1 learners often make this mistake. You might also encounter it in simple math problems or when talking about furniture dimensions in a basic 'Wohnen' (living) module.

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At the A2 level, you begin to use 'Höhe' in more varied contexts, such as travel and geography. You learn about 'Meereshöhe' (sea level) and how to describe landscapes. You also start to see 'Höhe' used with money, like 'die Höhe der Miete' (the amount of rent). You become more comfortable with prepositions like 'in' and 'auf'. For example, 'Das Dorf liegt in einer Höhe von 800 Metern.' You also learn the plural 'Höhen' and might encounter the phrase 'Höhen und Tiefen' in simple stories about life. Your understanding of the word moves from just 'how tall' to 'at what level'.

By B1, you are expected to use 'Höhe' in professional and social discussions. You use it to talk about the 'Höhe des Gehalts' (salary level) or 'Höhe der Kosten' (amount of costs). You start to understand idiomatic expressions like 'Das ist die Höhe!' (That's the limit!) when someone is being rude. You also use it in more complex grammatical structures, such as genitive constructions ('die Höhe des Gebäudes'). In B1, you also learn about 'Tonhöhe' in the context of music or linguistics. You can describe trends using 'in die Höhe gehen' (to rise/increase rapidly), which is very useful for describing charts and statistics.

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At the B2 level, you use 'Höhe' with precision in technical or academic discussions. You might talk about 'Flughöhe' (flight altitude) in a report or 'Fallhöhe' (height of fall) in a metaphorical sense (the potential for a great failure). You understand the nuance of 'auf der Höhe der Zeit sein' (to be up to date/modern). You can participate in debates about the 'Höhe der Steuern' (tax levels) or 'Höhe der Investitionen'. Your vocabulary includes compounds like 'Höhenangst' (fear of heights) and 'Höhenpunkt' (climax/high point). You are also aware of the difference between 'Höhe' and 'Niveau' in various registers.

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In C1, you master the abstract and literary uses of 'Höhe'. You might read about the 'geistige Höhe' (intellectual height) of a work of art. You use the word in sophisticated idioms and understand subtle connotations. You can discuss 'Höhenzüge' (mountain ranges) or 'Höhenstrahlung' (cosmic radiation) in scientific contexts. You use 'Höhe' to describe the peak of a historical period or a person's career ('auf dem Höhepunkt seiner Karriere'). You are comfortable with the word in all its metaphorical glory, using it to describe complex social phenomena or philosophical concepts where 'height' represents excellence or extremity.

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At the C2 level, you have a near-native command of 'Höhe'. You can use it in highly specialized fields like law ('Höhe der Strafe'), advanced mathematics, or poetry. You appreciate the rhythmic and stylistic choices of using 'Höhe' versus synonyms in literature. You understand archaic or very formal uses, such as 'Hoheit' in a historical context. You can navigate the most complex word families and derivations effortlessly. For a C2 learner, 'Höhe' is not just a word for measurement, but a versatile tool for expressing magnitude, excellence, position, and outrage across all possible registers of the German language.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

Höhe en 30 secondes

Höhe means height or altitude for objects and geography.
It is a feminine noun: die Höhe, plural die Höhen.
It also refers to amounts of money or levels of intensity.
Do not use it for a person's height; use 'Größe' instead.

The German word Höhe is a fundamental noun that every learner should master early on. At its most basic level, it translates to 'height' or 'altitude'. When you look at a building and ask how tall it is, you are inquiring about its Höhe. However, the beauty of the German language lies in how such a simple word expands into various domains of life, from geography to finance and even human emotions.

Physical Dimension: The vertical measurement of an object from its base to its top. For example, 'Die Höhe des Turms beträgt 50 Meter.'

Die Alpen haben beeindruckende Höhen.

In a geographical context, Höhe refers to the elevation above sea level. Germany uses 'Normalhöhennull' (NHN) as its reference point. When you are hiking in the Black Forest or the Bavarian Alps, you will often see signs indicating the 'Höhe über dem Meeresspiegel' (height above sea level). This is crucial for hikers and pilots alike.

Abstract Magnitude: Used to describe the amount or level of something non-physical, like prices, salaries, or risks. 'Die Höhe der Miete ist zu hoch.'

Wir müssen die Höhe des Schadens feststellen.

Furthermore, Höhe appears in acoustics as 'Tonhöhe' (pitch). A high-pitched sound has a high Höhe in terms of frequency. This versatility makes it a high-frequency word in both literal and metaphorical senses. Understanding these nuances helps you navigate conversations ranging from simple descriptions to complex financial discussions.

Geographical Elevation: Specific points above sea level, often used in navigation and meteorology.

Das Flugzeug fliegt in einer Höhe von 10.000 Metern.

Using Höhe correctly requires attention to prepositions and context. Since it is a feminine noun, it takes the articles die (nominative/accusative), der (genitive/dative). One of the most common ways to use it is with the preposition 'in'.

Prepositional Phrases: 'In die Höhe' (upwards/into the height) implies movement. 'In der Höhe' (at the height) implies a fixed position.

Die Preise schossen in die Höhe.

When discussing measurements, you use the genitive or the preposition 'von'. For example, 'eine Höhe von 5 Metern' or 'die Höhe des Berges'. In mathematical or technical contexts, you might see it paired with length (Länge) and width (Breite) to describe three-dimensional space.

Financial Context: When talking about money, 'Höhe' refers to the sum. 'In welcher Höhe möchten Sie den Kredit aufnehmen?'

Die Rechnung hat eine Höhe von 200 Euro.

Another important usage is 'auf gleicher Höhe', which means 'at the same level' or 'abreast'. This is used in sports (e.g., football/soccer for offside rules) or when comparing two things side-by-side. Mastery of these patterns allows for precise communication in professional and casual settings.

Idiomatic Movement: 'Aus der Höhe' means 'from above' or 'from the heights'.

Der Adler beobachtet seine Beute aus der Höhe.

You will encounter Höhe in a variety of everyday and specialized environments. In Germany, a country with diverse landscapes from the North Sea to the Alps, 'Höhe' is a staple of weather reports and travel guides. Meteorologists discuss 'Schneehöhe' (snow depth/height) during the winter, which is vital for skiers.

Aviation and Travel: Pilots and flight attendants use it constantly. 'Wir befinden uns jetzt in einer Flughöhe von...'

Bitte beachten Sie die Höhe der Durchfahrt.

In urban settings, you'll see it on traffic signs indicating the maximum height for vehicles entering tunnels or passing under bridges. In the business world, 'Höhe' is heard during salary negotiations or when discussing budget allocations. Phrases like 'in beträchtlicher Höhe' (in a considerable amount) are common in financial news.

Music and Arts: Teachers might talk about 'Tonhöhe' when instructing students on how to sing or play an instrument.

Die Sängerin erreichte eine unglaubliche Höhe.

Finally, in daily social interactions, someone might express shock at a situation by saying 'Das ist ja wohl die Höhe!' This idiomatic usage is very common in spoken German to express that someone has gone too far or been particularly rude.

Daily Life: When measuring furniture for a new apartment, you'll always check 'Höhe, Breite, Tiefe'.

Die Höhe des Schranks passt nicht in den Raum.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make is using Höhe to describe a person's height. In English, we say 'What is your height?', but in German, you must use Größe (literally 'size'). Saying 'Was ist deine Höhe?' sounds very strange and mechanical to a native speaker.

Größe vs. Höhe: Use 'Größe' for people and clothing sizes. Use 'Höhe' for buildings, mountains, and abstract levels.

Falsch: Meine Höhe ist 1,80 Meter. Richtig: Ich bin 1,80 Meter groß.

Another mistake involves the plural form. While 'heights' is common in English (e.g., 'the heights of the mountains'), the German plural Höhen is often used in specific idioms like 'Höhen und Tiefen' (ups and downs). In singular contexts where English might use plural, German often sticks to the singular.

Preposition Errors: Learners often say 'an der Höhe' instead of 'auf der Höhe' or 'in der Höhe'.

Wir sind auf der Höhe des Berges angekommen.

Finally, be careful with the adjective 'hoch' versus the noun 'Höhe'. In sentences like 'The mountain is high', use 'Der Berg ist hoch'. Do not try to force the noun where an adjective is more natural. Use the noun when you are specifically talking about the measurement as a concept.

Confusing with 'Hoch': 'Ein Hoch' can mean a cheer or a high-pressure weather system, distinct from 'Höhe'.

Das Hoch bringt schönes Wetter, aber die Höhe der Berge macht es kalt.

To truly master Höhe, it helps to see it alongside its 'siblings' in the world of dimensions. German has a very logical set of nouns for measuring the world.

Höhe vs. Tiefe: While 'Höhe' goes up, 'Tiefe' (depth) goes down. They are often used together in the phrase 'Höhen und Tiefen' (ups and downs).

Das Leben besteht aus Höhen und Tiefen.

Then we have Breite (width) and Länge (length). When buying a rug or a piece of furniture, you will always see these three: H x B x L. Another related word is Gipfel (summit/peak). While 'Höhe' is the measurement, 'Gipfel' is the physical point at the very top.

Höhe vs. Betrag: In finance, 'Betrag' is the specific sum, while 'Höhe' refers to the scale of that sum. 'Die Höhe des Betrags' is a common phrase.

Der Betrag ist in dieser Höhe nicht akzeptabel.

In a more abstract sense, Spitze (top/point) can be a synonym for 'Höhe' when referring to the highest point of a career or a movement. However, 'Höhe' remains the most versatile and neutral term for any vertical or quantitative scale. Learning these distinctions will make your German sound much more precise.

Elevation vs. Höhe: 'Elevation' is used in technical German (astronomy/geography), but 'Höhe' is the everyday term.

Wir messen die Höhe der Sonne über dem Horizont.

How Formal Is It?

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

N-declension (not applicable here, but good to check)

Genitive case for measurements

Prepositions with Dative/Accusative (Wechselpräpositionen)

Compound noun formation in German

Adjective comparison (hoch, höher, am höchsten)

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Exemples par niveau

Die Höhe des Hauses ist 10 Meter.

The height of the house is 10 meters.

Feminine noun 'die Höhe'.

Der Berg hat eine große Höhe.

The mountain has a great height.

Adjective 'große' matches feminine 'Höhe'.

Wie ist die Höhe von dem Tisch?

What is the height of the table?

Using 'von' for possession in casual speech.

Die Höhe ist wichtig.

The height is important.

Simple subject-verb-adjective structure.

Das ist eine kleine Höhe.

That is a small height.

Indefinite article 'eine'.

Die Höhe der Tür ist zwei Meter.

The height of the door is two meters.

Genitive 'der Tür'.

Ich kenne die Höhe nicht.

I don't know the height.

Negation with 'nicht'.

Ist die Höhe richtig?

Is the height correct?

Question structure.

Die Miete hat eine Höhe von 500 Euro.

The rent is 500 euros.

Abstract use for money.

Wir wandern in 2000 Meter Höhe.

We are hiking at an altitude of 2000 meters.

Dative after 'in' for location.

Die Höhe der Berge ist beeindruckend.

The height of the mountains is impressive.

Genitive plural 'der Berge'.

Bitte messen Sie die Höhe genau.

Please measure the height exactly.

Imperative form.

Das Flugzeug erreicht eine neue Höhe.

The plane reaches a new altitude.

Accusative object.

In dieser Höhe ist die Luft dünn.

At this altitude, the air is thin.

Demonstrative pronoun 'dieser'.

Die Höhe des Schrankes passt nicht.

The height of the cabinet doesn't fit.

Genitive singular 'des Schrankes'.

Gibt es hier verschiedene Höhen?

Are there different heights here?

Plural 'Höhen'.

Die Preise steigen in die Höhe.

Prices are skyrocketing.

Idiomatic phrase 'in die Höhe'.

Das ist ja wohl die Höhe!

That's the limit! / That's outrageous!

Idiomatic exclamation.

Die Höhe des Gehalts wird verhandelt.

The salary level is being negotiated.

Passive voice 'wird verhandelt'.

Wir müssen die Tonhöhe anpassen.

We need to adjust the pitch.

Compound noun 'Tonhöhe'.

Auf dieser Höhe gibt es keinen Wald mehr.

At this altitude, there are no more forests.

Negative 'keinen'.

Die Höhe der Kosten hat uns überrascht.

The amount of the costs surprised us.

Perfect tense 'hat überrascht'.

Er ist auf der Höhe seiner Karriere.

He is at the peak of his career.

Metaphorical use.

Die Wellen erreichten eine Höhe von 5 Metern.

The waves reached a height of 5 meters.

Past tense 'erreichten'.

Die Flughöhe beträgt 10.000 Meter.

The cruising altitude is 10,000 meters.

Technical term 'Flughöhe'.

Er leidet unter extremer Höhenangst.

He suffers from extreme fear of heights.

Compound 'Höhenangst'.

Das Projekt ist auf der Höhe der Zeit.

The project is up to date.

Idiom 'auf der Höhe der Zeit'.

Die Höhe der Strafe war angemessen.

The amount of the fine was appropriate.

Legal context.

Die Kurve geht steil in die Höhe.

The curve is rising steeply.

Adverb 'steil'.

Wir befinden uns auf gleicher Höhe mit der Konkurrenz.

We are at the same level as the competition.

Prepositional phrase 'auf gleicher Höhe'.

Die Schneehöhe wird täglich gemessen.

The snow depth is measured daily.

Compound 'Schneehöhe'.

Die Höhe der Investition ist beachtlich.

The amount of investment is considerable.

Adjective 'beachtlich'.

Die literarische Höhe des Werks ist unbestritten.

The literary quality of the work is undisputed.

Abstract/Intellectual use.

In lichten Höhen schweben.

To be in lofty heights (metaphorical).

Poetic/Idiomatic use.

Die Fallhöhe des Politikers war enorm.

The politician's fall from grace was enormous.

Metaphorical 'Fallhöhe'.

Die Höhe der Steuereinnahmen schwankt.

The level of tax revenue fluctuates.

Economic terminology.

Das Gebirge weist beachtliche Höhenzüge auf.

The mountain range features considerable ridges.

Geographical term 'Höhenzüge'.

Die Tonhöhe beeinflusst die Bedeutung im Chinesischen.

Pitch influences meaning in Chinese.

Scientific/Linguistic context.

Er konnte die Höhe der Anforderungen nicht erfüllen.

He could not meet the level of requirements.

Abstract magnitude.

Die Höhe der Zinsen belastet die Wirtschaft.

The level of interest rates burdens the economy.

Macroeconomic context.

Die metaphysische Höhe des Gedankens ist schwer zu fassen.

The metaphysical height of the thought is hard to grasp.

Philosophical register.

Sie agiert auf einer moralischen Höhe, die bewundernswert ist.

She acts at a moral height that is admirable.

Moral/Ethical metaphor.

Die Höhe der Entschädigungssumme ist rechtlich bindend.

The amount of the compensation sum is legally binding.

Formal legal language.

Das Stück erreichte seinen dramatischen Höhepunkt.

The play reached its dramatic climax.

Compound 'Höhepunkt'.

Die Höhe der atmosphärischen Schichten variiert.

The height of the atmospheric layers varies.

Scientific precision.

In der Höhe der Zeit stehen.

To be at the vanguard of the era.

Sophisticated idiom.

Die Höhe der Wellenfront wurde mathematisch berechnet.

The height of the wavefront was mathematically calculated.

Physics/Mathematics register.

Seine Arroganz erreichte eine neue Höhe.

His arrogance reached a new high.

Peurative metaphorical use.

Collocations courantes

schwindelerregende Höhe

auf gleicher Höhe

in die Höhe treiben

die Höhe messen

beträchtliche Höhe

mittlere Höhe

maximale Höhe

geringe Höhe

Höhe über Meeresspiegel

in schwindelnder Höhe

Phrases Courantes

In die Höhe gehen

Auf der Höhe sein

Das ist die Höhe!

In luftiger Höhe

Auf gleicher Höhe liegen

Die Höhe der Zeit

Höhen und Tiefen

In schwindelnder Höhe

Aus der Höhe

In einer Höhe von...

Souvent confondu avec

Höhe vs Größe

Höhe vs Hoch

Höhe vs Hoheit

Expressions idiomatiques

"Das ist ja wohl die Höhe!"

"Auf der Höhe der Zeit sein"

"In lichten Höhen schweben"

"Höhen und Tiefen durchmachen"

"In die Höhe schießen"

"Sich in die Höhe arbeiten"

"Auf der Höhe seiner Kraft sein"

"Etwas in die Höhe treiben"

"In schwindelnde Höhen steigen"

"Aus heiterer Höhe (rare, usually 'Himmel')"

Facile à confondre

Höhe vs

Structures de phrases

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Comment l'utiliser

money

Always use 'Höhe' for the scale of a sum, not 'Größe'.

people

Never use 'Höhe' for human height.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'Höhe' for a person's height.
Forgetting the umlaut (writing 'Hohe' instead of 'Höhe').
Using 'an der Höhe' instead of 'in der Höhe'.
Confusing 'Höhe' with 'Hoheit'.
Not capitalizing the noun.

Astuces

Gender Tip

Nouns ending in '-e' are often feminine. 'Höhe' follows this rule. Always pair it with 'die' or 'eine' in your mind to remember the gender correctly.

People vs. Objects

Create a mental image: a person standing next to a tower. Label the person 'Größe' and the tower 'Höhe'. This visual distinction helps prevent the most common mistake.

Idiom Usage

Use 'Das ist die Höhe!' sparingly. It's a strong expression of anger. Use it when someone cuts in line or is extremely disrespectful to see its full cultural impact.

Financial Context

When writing business emails, use 'in Höhe von' to specify amounts. For example: 'Wir haben eine Zahlung in Höhe von 50 Euro erhalten.' It sounds professional.

Compound Nouns

When you hear a word starting with 'Höhen-', it's almost always related to height. 'Höhenverstellbar' (height-adjustable) is a common word for office furniture.

Mountain Signs

When hiking in Germany, look for 'm ü. NHN'. This stands for 'Meter über Normalhöhennull', which is the official way to state 'Höhe' in Germany.

Word Family

Connect 'hoch' (high), 'höher' (higher), and 'Höhe' (height). Learning them as a group makes it easier to recall the noun when you only remember the adjective.

Dimensions

Remember the trio: Höhe, Breite, Länge. If you learn them together, you'll be ready for any IKEA trip or furniture assembly in a German-speaking country.

The Umlaut

Don't ignore the dots! 'Hohe' (without dots) is a form of the adjective, but 'Höhe' (with dots) is the noun. The pronunciation change is crucial for clarity.

Trends

Use 'in die Höhe schnellen' to describe something that increases very fast, like gas prices or your heart rate during exercise. It's a very descriptive phrase.

Mémorise-le

Origine du mot

From Middle High German 'hoehe', from Old High German 'hōhī'.

Contexte culturel

Germany uses NHN (Normalhöhennull) as the standard for sea level.

'Das ist die Höhe' implies that a situation has reached the 'peak' of what is tolerable.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"Wie hoch ist die Miete in deiner Stadt?"

"Hast du Höhenangst?"

"Was war der höchste Berg, auf dem du je warst?"

"Wie ist die Höhe der Lebenshaltungskosten hier?"

"Welche Höhe sollte ein Schreibtisch idealerweise haben?"

Sujets d'écriture

Beschreibe eine Situation, in der du dachtest: 'Das ist die Höhe!'

Welche Höhen und Tiefen hast du beim Deutschlernen erlebt?

Beschreibe die Aussicht aus einer großen Höhe.

Warum ist die Höhe eines Gehalts für viele Menschen so wichtig?

Planst du eine Wanderung? Welche Höhe möchtest du erreichen?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, you should use 'Größe'. For example, 'Ich bin 1,80 Meter groß' or 'Meine Größe ist 1,80 Meter'. Using 'Höhe' for a person sounds like you are describing a statue or a building.

It is an idiom used to express outrage or disbelief. It means 'That's the last straw' or 'That's going too far'. It is used when someone is being very rude or a situation is unacceptable.

Yes, 'Höhe' is always feminine in German. You use 'die', 'der', 'der', 'die' for the four cases. This is consistent across all its meanings, whether physical or abstract.

The German word is 'Höhenangst'. It is a compound noun made of 'Höhen' (plural of height) and 'Angst' (fear). It is a very common word used by many people.

'Höhe' is usually for physical height or quantitative amounts. 'Niveau' is used for quality, standard, or intellectual levels. For example, 'das Niveau eines Films' (the quality of a film).

The plural is 'die Höhen'. It is used in phrases like 'Höhen und Tiefen' (ups and downs) or when referring to multiple mountain peaks or different levels.

Yes, 'Tonhöhe' means pitch. It refers to how high or low a musical note is. Music teachers and musicians use this term frequently during practice and instruction.

Yes, specifically for money. 'Die Höhe der Rechnung' means 'the amount of the bill'. It is a very common way to discuss financial sums in a slightly formal way.

It means 'altitude above sea level'. It is often used in geography and on signs in the mountains to tell you how high up you are currently standing.

It is the 'flight altitude' of an aircraft. Pilots use this term to communicate with air traffic control and passengers about how high the plane is flying.

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