Meaning
To be insensitive to criticism or insults, not easily offended.
Cultural Background
In German workplaces, feedback is often very direct. Having a thick skin is considered a professional virtue. Similar idioms exist but often imply a lack of shame, which is culturally discouraged, unlike the German positive view of resilience. The concept is very similar to the US, where 'thick skin' is a common business term for successful leaders.
Use 'entwickeln'
If you want to sound more advanced, say 'Ich habe eine dicke Haut entwickelt' to show you worked on it.
Directness
Remember that in Germany, being 'thick-skinned' is a compliment for professional resilience.
Meaning
To be insensitive to criticism or insults, not easily offended.
Use 'entwickeln'
If you want to sound more advanced, say 'Ich habe eine dicke Haut entwickelt' to show you worked on it.
Directness
Remember that in Germany, being 'thick-skinned' is a compliment for professional resilience.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence.
Um in diesem Beruf zu überleben, musst du eine ______ Haut haben.
The idiom is 'eine dicke Haut haben'.
Which verb is typically used with 'eine dicke Haut'?
Ich ____ eine dicke Haut.
The verb 'haben' is the standard verb for this idiom.
Match the idiom to its meaning.
Eine dicke Haut haben
It means not being easily offended.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Everyone is criticizing my work.' B: 'Don't worry, you just need to ______.'
This is the correct advice for someone facing criticism.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesUm in diesem Beruf zu überleben, musst du eine ______ Haut haben.
The idiom is 'eine dicke Haut haben'.
Ich ____ eine dicke Haut.
The verb 'haben' is the standard verb for this idiom.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
It means not being easily offended.
A: 'Everyone is criticizing my work.' B: 'Don't worry, you just need to ______.'
This is the correct advice for someone facing criticism.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsNo, it is usually a compliment regarding their professional resilience.
No, it is strictly an idiom for emotional resilience.
They are perfectly interchangeable.
You would say 'Ich habe eine dünne Haut'.
It is better to use 'Resilienz' in very formal writing.
No, it applies to everyone.
Try using it when talking about your work experiences.
No, it just means you don't let criticism hurt you.
Related Phrases
Ein dickes Fell haben
synonymTo have a thick coat/fur.
Sich nichts aus etwas machen
similarTo not care about something.
Kritik einstecken
builds onTo take criticism.
