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A1 verb #3,000 most common 12 min read

Hassen

Q: Is 'hassen' too strong to use for food?

In German, 'hassen' is indeed very strong. While you will hear people say 'Ich hasse Spinat', it's often more natural to say 'Ich mag keinen Spinat' or 'Ich kann Spinat nicht ausstehen'. Using 'hassen' for food can make you sound like a picky child or very dramatic.

Q: What is the difference between 'hassen' and 'verabscheuen'?

The main difference is the register and the depth of the feeling. 'Hassen' is a general, emotional word for hating. 'Verabscheuen' is more formal and is used when you find something morally or ethically repulsive, like 'to loathe' or 'to detest'. For example, you 'hast' a person who hurt you, but you 'verabscheust' war.

Q: How do I conjugate 'hassen' in the past?

It is a regular verb. In the Präteritum (simple past), it is: ich hasste, du hasstest, er/sie/es hasste, wir hassten, ihr hasstet, sie hassten. In the Perfekt (present perfect), it is: ich habe gehasst, du hast gehasst, etc.

Q: Does 'hassen' always take the accusative case?

Yes, 'hassen' is a transitive verb, meaning it always takes a direct object in the accusative case. For example: 'Ich hasse den (masculine accusative) Film' or 'Ich hasse dich (accusative pronoun)'.

Q: Can 'hassen' be used reflexively?

Yes, 'sich hassen' means 'to hate each other' or 'to hate oneself'. For example: 'Sie hassen sich' (They hate each other) or 'Er hasst sich selbst' (He hates himself).

Q: Is there a difference in pronunciation between 'du hast' and 'du hasst'?

Technically, 'du hasst' has a slightly longer 's' sound, but in normal conversation, they are pronounced identically. You must rely on context to know if someone is saying 'you have' or 'you hate'.

Q: When do I need to use 'es' with 'hassen'?

You use 'es' as a placeholder when 'hassen' is followed by a subordinate clause (starting with 'wenn', 'dass', or 'wie') or an infinitive phrase. Example: 'Ich hasse es, zu warten' or 'Ich hasse es, wenn es regnet'.

Q: What is the noun for 'hassen'?

The noun is 'der Hass' (masculine). It means 'hatred' or 'hate'. It is used in many compound words like 'Hassrede' or 'Hasskommentar'.

Q: Is 'hassen' used in German idioms?

Yes, a very common one is 'etwas wie die Pest hassen', which means to hate something like the plague. Another is 'Hass ist ein schlechter Ratgeber', meaning hate is a poor counselor.

Q: Is 'hassen' a common word in German music?

Yes, especially in genres like rock, punk, and rap. Famous examples include Rammstein's 'Du Hast' (which plays on the word) and various songs expressing social or personal frustration.

Top 3,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips Hassen in 30 Seconds

Explanation Hassen in your Level:

At the A1 level, you learn hassen as the direct opposite of 'lieben' (to love). It is one of the basic verbs used to express strong feelings and personal preferences. At this stage, you focus on simple sentence structures: 'Ich hasse...' followed by a noun in the accusative case. For example, 'Ich hasse Hausaufgaben' (I hate homework) or 'Ich hasse den Winter' (I hate winter). You will practice the regular conjugation in the present tense: ich hasse, du hasst, er/sie/es hasst, wir hassen, ihr hasst, sie hassen. It is important to note that the 'du' and 'er/sie/es' forms are spelled similarly (hasst), which is a common pattern for verbs whose stem ends in 's'. You will also learn to use it with 'es', as in 'Ich hasse es' (I hate it). The goal at A1 is simply to be able to state a strong dislike clearly. You don't need to worry about complex nuances yet, but you should be aware that it is a very strong word. Even at this early stage, try to distinguish between 'nicht mögen' (don't like) and 'hassen' (hate) so you don't sound too extreme in casual conversations. Practice with common nouns like food, weather, and school subjects to build your confidence with the accusative case.

At the A2 level, you expand your use of hassen by incorporating past tenses and modal verbs. You will learn to use the Perfekt tense: 'Ich habe es gehasst' (I hated it). This allows you to talk about past experiences, such as things you didn't like as a child: 'Als Kind habe ich Brokkoli gehasst.' You will also start using modal verbs like 'können' or 'müssen' with hassen: 'Ich kann es nicht hassen' (I cannot hate it) or 'Man muss Ungerechtigkeit hassen' (One must hate injustice). Another key development at A2 is the introduction of 'wenn' clauses. Instead of just saying 'Ich hasse Regen,' you might say 'Ich hasse es, wenn es regnet' (I hate it when it rains). This requires using 'es' as a placeholder in the main clause. You will also begin to see the noun 'der Hass' and how it relates to the verb. At this level, you should also be careful with the pronunciation, ensuring you distinguish between 'du hast' (from haben) and 'du hasst' (from hassen), though they sound nearly identical. Understanding the context will help you differentiate them in listening exercises. You are also expected to recognize the word in slightly more varied contexts, such as short stories or simple news items.

At the B1 level, you move beyond simple personal preferences and start using hassen to discuss social issues, opinions, and more complex emotions. You will learn to use the Präteritum (simple past) form 'hasste', which is more common in written German and storytelling: 'Er hasste sein altes Leben.' You will also explore the use of 'hassen' in 'dass' clauses: 'Ich hasse es, dass wir immer zu spät kommen.' This level also introduces more synonyms and alternatives, allowing you to choose the right word for the right intensity. You will learn phrases like 'nicht ausstehen können' (can't stand) and 'verabscheuen' (to loathe), and you'll practice deciding when 'hassen' is too strong and when it's appropriate. B1 also covers the passive voice: 'Er wird von allen gehasst' (He is hated by everyone). You will start to encounter 'hassen' in more serious topics, such as 'Hassrede' (hate speech) and 'Hasskriminalität' (hate crime), which are frequent topics in German media. You should be able to express not just *that* you hate something, but *why*, using conjunctions like 'weil' or 'da'. For example, 'Ich hasse es, im Stau zu stehen, weil es Zeitverschwendung ist.' This level requires a more nuanced understanding of the word's impact on a conversation.

At the B2 level, your understanding of hassen becomes much more sophisticated. You will study its use in abstract and figurative contexts. You'll encounter compound words and derivatives like 'hasserfüllt' (full of hate), 'Hassliebe' (love-hate relationship), and 'Selbsthass' (self-hate). You will be expected to use the verb in more complex grammatical structures, such as the subjunctive (Konjunktiv II): 'Ich würde es hassen, wenn...' (I would hate it if...). B2 also involves a deeper look at the register; you'll learn that 'hassen' can sometimes be used ironically or hyperbolically in certain social circles, but remains a very serious word in others. You will analyze texts where 'hassen' is used to describe historical conflicts or deep psychological states. You should be able to debate topics where 'Hass' plays a role, such as 'Hass im Internet' (online hate), and provide well-reasoned arguments using a variety of related vocabulary. Your ability to distinguish 'hassen' from 'verachten' (despise) and 'verabscheuen' (loathe) should be sharp, and you should be able to use these words interchangeably when appropriate for the context. You will also learn about the nominalization of the verb, 'das Hassen', and how it functions as a concept in philosophical or sociological discussions.

At the C1 level, you explore the stylistic and literary nuances of hassen. You will encounter the word in classical German literature, from Goethe to Kafka, and analyze how its meaning and weight have evolved. You will study the use of 'hassen' in rhetorical devices and how it can be used to create emotional impact in speeches or essays. Your vocabulary will include rare and sophisticated synonyms like 'perhorreszieren' (to shrink from in horror - very formal/rare) or 'anfeinden' (to treat with hostility). You will also look at the etymology of the word and its connection to other Germanic languages, providing a deeper linguistic context. At this level, you should be able to discuss the psychological roots of hatred and its societal consequences with high precision. You will also learn about the legal definitions surrounding 'Hass', such as the specifics of 'Volksverhetzung'. In writing, you will use 'hassen' and its derivatives to add color and depth to your descriptions, ensuring that the word is always used with the correct emotional and social weight. You will also be able to recognize and use idiomatic expressions involving 'Hass' in a natural, native-like way, such as 'Hass schüren' (to stir up hate) or 'blind vor Hass sein' (to be blind with hate).

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of hassen and its place in the German language. You can use it in highly specialized contexts, such as philosophical treatises, legal arguments, or avant-garde literature. You understand the subtle differences between 'Hass' and similar concepts like 'Ressentiment' or 'Misanthropie'. You can analyze the use of the word in political propaganda and how it has been used to manipulate public opinion throughout history. Your ability to use the word in complex, multi-layered sentences is perfect, and you can play with its phonetic and semantic properties in creative writing or poetry. You are aware of the most obscure idioms and historical usages of the word. At this level, you don't just use the word; you can reflect on its role in the language and its power as a tool of expression. You can participate in high-level academic discussions about the 'Natur des Hasses' (nature of hate) and contribute original insights. Your usage is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker, and you can switch between registers—from the visceral 'Ich hasse es!' to the analytical 'Die Genese des Hasses'—with ease. You also understand the cultural sensitivity of the word in post-war Germany and how that affects its use in public discourse today.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

Hassen in 30 Seconds

Hassen is the standard German verb for 'to hate', expressing the highest level of dislike and emotional aversion toward people, things, or situations.
It is a regular (weak) verb, conjugated as ich hasse, du hasst, er hasst, and uses the accusative case for its direct objects.
While common, it is often more intense than the English 'hate', and learners should use 'nicht mögen' for milder, everyday dislikes to sound natural.
The word is central to discussions about social issues (Hassrede) and appears frequently in literature, music, and emotional personal expressions.

The German verb hassen is a powerful and direct term used to express a profound feeling of dislike or animosity toward someone or something. In the German language, much like in English, this word occupies the extreme end of the emotional spectrum. While English speakers might casually say they 'hate' a specific type of food or a minor inconvenience, German speakers often reserve hassen for more intense or serious contexts, although the casual usage has become increasingly common among younger generations and in informal settings. Understanding the weight of this word is crucial for any learner because using it too lightly in a formal German environment might come across as overly dramatic or even aggressive.

Core Meaning: To feel intense hostility or aversion toward an object, person, or situation.
Intensity Level: Very High. It is the direct antonym of 'lieben' (to love). It implies a deep-seated emotional rejection.
Societal Context: Used in discussions about social issues, personal relationships, and strong preferences. In legal and social contexts, 'Hassrede' (hate speech) is a critical term.

When a German speaker says, 'Ich hasse Ungerechtigkeit,' they are not just expressing a mild preference; they are stating a core value. The verb is regular in its conjugation, which makes it grammatically accessible for beginners, but its emotional depth requires careful handling.

Ich hasse es, im Stau zu stehen, wenn ich einen wichtigen Termin habe.

This example demonstrates a common usage where the speaker expresses frustration. Note that the verb often takes a direct object in the accusative case. If you are talking about a person, you might say 'Ich hasse ihn' (I hate him). If you are talking about an action, you often use the construction 'es hassen, zu...' (to hate to...). Historically, the word has deep roots in Germanic languages, relating to the concept of grief or sorrow, which adds a layer of 'pain' to the hatred. In modern German, it is also used in compound words like 'Hasserfüllt' (full of hate) or 'Hassliebe' (love-hate relationship).

Sie hassten die Kälte des Winters in den Bergen.

Warum hasst du diesen Film so sehr? Er ist doch ein Klassiker!

Wir hassen Lügen über alles.

Er hasst seinen Job, aber er braucht das Geld für die Miete.

Register: Informal to Neutral. While it is a standard word, its use in formal writing is usually reserved for serious topics like social justice or psychological analysis.
Synonym comparison: Unlike 'verabscheuen' (to loathe), which feels more sophisticated and detached, 'hassen' is raw and visceral.

In summary, hassen is the primary verb for expressing hate in German. It is grammatically straightforward but emotionally potent, requiring the learner to judge the social context before deploying it. Whether you are discussing a movie you can't stand or a profound injustice, this word provides the necessary linguistic weight to convey your feelings.

Using hassen correctly involves understanding its transitive nature and its common grammatical patterns. As a transitive verb, it always requires an object—the thing or person that is being hated. This object must be in the accusative case. For example, in 'Ich hasse den Regen,' 'den Regen' is the masculine singular accusative object. If the object is a pronoun, you must use the accusative form: 'Ich hasse dich' (I hate you), 'Ich hasse ihn' (I hate him), 'Ich hasse sie' (I hate her/them), and 'Ich hasse es' (I hate it).

Direct Objects: Standard: Subject + hassen + Accusative Object. Example: 'Er hasst Brokkoli.'
Infinitive Clauses: Using 'es' as a placeholder: Subject + hassen + es + (zu + Verb). Example: 'Ich hasse es, zu warten.'
Subordinate Clauses: Using 'dass' or 'wenn': 'Ich hasse es, wenn es regnet.' (I hate it when it rains.)

One of the most frequent patterns for English speakers to learn is the 'hating an action' structure. In English, we often say 'I hate waiting.' In German, you cannot simply say 'Ich hasse Warten' (though it is technically possible as a nominalized verb, it sounds less natural). Instead, Germans prefer 'Ich hasse es zu warten' or 'Ich hasse das Warten.' The use of 'es' as a dummy object is very common.

Wir hassen es, wenn Leute im Kino laut reden.

Conjugation is regular: ich hasse, du hasst, er hasst, wir hassen, ihr hasst, sie hassen. In the past tense, it follows the weak verb pattern: 'Ich hasste' (Simple Past) and 'Ich habe gehasst' (Present Perfect). For example: 'Als Kind hasste ich Spinat, aber jetzt mag ich ihn.' When using modal verbs, 'hassen' remains in the infinitive at the end of the sentence: 'Du darfst niemanden hassen.' (You must not hate anyone). In questions, the verb often moves to the first position or follows a question word: 'Hasst du mich?' or 'Warum hasst du ihn?'

Niemand sollte einen anderen Menschen wegen seiner Herkunft hassen.

Sie hasst die Vorstellung, ganz allein zu sein.

Ich hasse diese laute Musik am frühen Morgen.

Haben sie sich schon immer gehasst?

Negation: To say you don't hate something: 'Ich hasse es nicht.' This is often used to clarify that while you might not like something, you don't feel strongly enough to hate it.
Emphasis: Adding 'wirklich' or 'zutiefst' (deeply) increases the intensity: 'Ich hasse ihn zutiefst.'

By mastering these patterns, you can express strong aversion clearly and correctly in German. Whether you are complaining about the weather or discussing complex emotions, 'hassen' is your primary tool for expressing the negative extreme.

In the modern German-speaking world, you will encounter hassen in a variety of contexts, ranging from everyday complaints to serious political discourse. On the streets and in casual conversation, it is frequently heard when people discuss their pet peeves. Phrases like 'Ich hasse Montage' (I hate Mondays) or 'Ich hasse Verspätungen' (I hate delays) are ubiquitous in offices and train stations. However, because German culture often values precision and sometimes a degree of emotional understatement, you might also hear people opt for milder expressions like 'Das nervt mich' (That annoys me) or 'Das mag ich gar nicht' (I don't like that at all) unless they are truly upset.

Social Media: The term 'Hater' has been borrowed from English, but 'Hasskommentare' (hate comments) is the standard German term for toxic online behavior. You will see this in news reports and platform guidelines.
Literature and Film: In drama and thrillers, 'hassen' is used to define the relationships between antagonists. Famous lines often involve 'Ich hasse dich!' as a climax of a conflict.
Music: Many German rock and rap songs use 'hassen' to express rebellion, social critique, or personal heartbreak. The band Rammstein, for instance, famously uses the word 'hast' (from haben) in 'Du Hast' which plays on the phonetic similarity to 'hasst' (from hassen).

In political and news contexts, the word is often linked to 'Hasskriminalität' (hate crime). Germany has strict laws regarding 'Volksverhetzung' (incitement of hatred), so you will often hear discussions about how 'Hass' impacts society and democracy.

In den Nachrichten wurde über die Zunahme von Hass im Netz berichtet.

You might also hear it in the workplace, though it should be used with caution. A colleague might say, 'Ich hasse es, wenn der Drucker nicht funktioniert,' which is a common expression of frustration. In school, children might say, 'Ich hasse Hausaufgaben' (I hate homework). Another place you'll hear it is in psychological or self-help contexts, discussing 'Selbsthass' (self-hate) or learning to let go of hatred toward others. The word is deeply embedded in the language of human emotion and societal friction.

Warum gibt es so viel Hass in der Welt?

Er hasst es, im Mittelpunkt der Aufmerksamkeit zu stehen.

Wir hassen es, Zeit zu verschwenden.

Man kann jemanden hassen und trotzdem respektieren.

Idiomatic usage: 'Wie die Pest hassen' (to hate like the plague) is a common idiom for intense dislike.

In conclusion, while 'hassen' is a heavy word, its presence in everyday German life is significant. From the mundane to the monumental, it captures the human experience of strong aversion.

Learners of German often encounter several pitfalls when using hassen. The most common error is related to the intensity of the word. English speakers are accustomed to saying 'I hate this coffee' or 'I hate this song' quite casually. In German, using 'hassen' for such trivial matters can sound exaggerated or aggressive. A more appropriate choice for minor dislikes would be 'Das schmeckt mir nicht' or 'Das Lied gefällt mir nicht.'

Confusion with 'Hasten': The verb 'hasten' (to hurry) has a similar stem. 'Du hastest' (you hurry) and 'Du hasst' (you hate) sound very similar, especially in fast speech. Context is key here.
Grammar: Missing 'es': When followed by a 'wenn' or 'dass' clause, many learners forget the placeholder 'es'. Incorrect: 'Ich hasse, wenn du das tust.' Correct: 'Ich hasse es, wenn du das tust.'
Accusative Errors: Since 'hassen' is transitive, the object must be accusative. Learners often use the nominative case by mistake. Incorrect: 'Ich hasse der Regen.' Correct: 'Ich hasse den Regen.'

Another mistake is the confusion between the verb 'hassen' and the conjugated forms of 'haben' (to have). In the second person singular, 'du hast' (you have) and 'du hasst' (you hate) are pronounced almost identically. In writing, the extra 's' is vital. This is the basis for many puns in German, such as in the lyrics of the band Rammstein.

Falsch: Ich hasse zu warten. (Too literal translation from English 'I hate to wait'). Richtig: Ich hasse es zu warten.

Furthermore, learners sometimes confuse 'hassen' with 'verachten' (to despise) or 'verabscheuen' (to loathe). While they are synonyms, 'hassen' is more about the emotion, whereas 'verachten' implies a lack of respect or looking down on someone. In the passive voice, learners often struggle. 'Ich werde gehasst' (I am hated) is correct, but it's a heavy statement. Using it correctly requires understanding the 'werden' + past participle construction.

Falsch: Er hasst ihm. Richtig: Er hasst ihn. (Accusative object required!)

Falsch: Wir hassen diese Film. Richtig: Wir hassen diesen Film.

Falsch: Hast du ihn gehassen? Richtig: Hast du ihn gehasst? (Weak verb conjugation).

False Friends: Be careful with 'hateful'. In German, 'hässlich' means 'ugly', while 'hasserfüllt' means 'hateful'. Many beginners confuse these due to the shared 'hass' root.

Avoiding these mistakes will make your German sound more natural and precise. Always pay attention to the case of the object and the intensity of the situation before choosing 'hassen' as your verb.

German offers a rich variety of words to express dislike, allowing for much more nuance than just hassen. Depending on the intensity and the reason for the dislike, you might choose a different verb.

Verabscheuen: This means 'to loathe' or 'to detest'. It is more formal than 'hassen' and often implies a moral or ethical rejection. Example: 'Ich verabscheue Gewalt.'
Nicht leiden können: Literally 'cannot suffer/tolerate'. This is a very common idiomatic way to say you really don't like someone or something. Example: 'Ich kann ihn nicht leiden.'
Verachten: This means 'to despise' or 'to look down on'. It adds an element of superiority or lack of respect. Example: 'Er verachtet Feigheit.'
Anwidern: This means 'to disgust' or 'to sicken'. It is used when the dislike is physical or visceral. Example: 'Dieser Geruch widert mich an.'

If you want to express a milder dislike, 'nicht mögen' is the most common choice. For things that are annoying, use 'nerven' (to annoy) or 'stören' (to disturb). For example, 'Es nervt mich, wenn der Bus zu spät kommt' is much more common than 'Ich hasse es, wenn der Bus zu spät kommt.'

Anstatt zu sagen 'Ich hasse dieses Essen', sagen Sie lieber 'Das ist nicht mein Geschmack'.

There is also the phrase 'einen Groll hegen' (to bear a grudge), which describes a long-term feeling of resentment rather than the active emotion of hating. 'Missbilligen' is another alternative, used when you disapprove of an action or behavior on a formal level. In academic or psychological contexts, you might encounter 'Aversion' or 'Abneigung' (dislike/aversion). These are nouns that describe the state of hating or disliking something without the emotional intensity of the verb 'hassen'.

Sie empfindet eine tiefe Abneigung gegen Lärm.

Ich kann kalten Kaffee absolut nicht ausstehen.

Es ist besser zu ignorieren als zu hassen.

Seine Arroganz ist mir zuwider.

Comparative Intensity: Mögen < Nicht mögen < Nicht leiden können < Hassen < Verabscheuen.

By learning these alternatives, you will be able to express your negative feelings with the appropriate level of intensity and sophistication, making your German communication much more effective.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'hässlich' (ugly) actually comes from the same root as 'Hass'. It originally meant 'deserving of hate' or 'hateful' before it shifted to describe physical appearance.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈhasn̩/

US /ˈhɑsn̩/

The stress is on the first syllable: HASS-en.

Rhymes With

lassen passen fassen massen tassen blassen kassen rassen

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'ss' like a 'z' (voiced). It must be sharp and voiceless.
Confusing the pronunciation with 'hasten' (to hurry), which has a 't' sound.
Making the 'a' too long, like in 'haben'. It must be short.
Pronouncing the 'h' like a 'ch' sound.
Over-emphasizing the final 'e' instead of making the 'n' syllabic.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize and understand in texts.

Writing 2/5

Simple conjugation but requires correct case (accusative).

Speaking 2/5

Easy to say, but must be careful with the social intensity.

Listening 3/5

Can be confused with 'hast' (from haben) in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

lieben mögen nicht sehr Gefühl

Learn Next

verabscheuen verachten leiden ausstehen Wut

Advanced

Volksverhetzung Abneigung Ressentiment Misanthropie Anfeindung

Grammar to Know

Accusative Case

Ich hasse DEN (maskulin Akkusativ) Hund.

Dummy Object 'es'

Ich hasse ES, wenn du das sagst.

Weak Verb Conjugation

Ich hasste (Präteritum) die Schule.

Subordinate Clause Word Order

Ich hasse es, weil du nie PÜNKTLICH BIST (verb at end).

Infinitive with 'zu'

Ich hasse es, ZU WARTEN.

Examples by Level

Ich hasse den Winter.

I hate the winter.

Direct object 'den Winter' is in the accusative case.

Hasst du Spinat?

Do you hate spinach?

Question form with the verb in the first position.

Er hasst Hausaufgaben.

He hates homework.

Third person singular conjugation: 'hasst'.

Wir hassen den Regen.

We hate the rain.

First person plural conjugation: 'hassen'.

Ich hasse es.

I hate it.

Use of 'es' as a general object.

Sie hasst laute Musik.

She hates loud music.

Accusative object 'laute Musik'.

Hassen sie Montage?

Do they hate Mondays?

Plural question form.

Ihr hasst dieses Spiel.

You (plural) hate this game.

Second person plural conjugation: 'hasst'.

Ich habe diese Suppe gehasst.

I hated this soup.

Perfekt tense: 'habe ... gehasst'.

Ich hasse es, wenn es regnet.

I hate it when it rains.

Subordinate clause starting with 'wenn'.

Er hasste seinen alten Job.

He hated his old job.

Präteritum (simple past) for storytelling.

Warum hasst du es zu warten?

Why do you hate to wait?

Infinitive construction with 'zu'.

Wir hassen es, zu spät zu kommen.

We hate to be late.

Double 'zu' construction: 'es, ... zu ...'.

Sie hat ihn schon immer gehasst.

She has always hated him.

Perfekt tense with a direct object 'ihn'.

Ihr hasstet die Kälte im Norden.

You (plural) hated the cold in the north.

Second person plural Präteritum.

Man darf niemanden hassen.

One must not hate anyone.

Modal verb 'darf' with infinitive 'hassen'.

Ich hasse es, dass er nie zuhört.

I hate that he never listens.

Subordinate clause starting with 'dass'.

Sie wird von ihren Feinden gehasst.

She is hated by her enemies.

Passive voice: 'wird ... gehasst'.

Es ist falsch, Menschen zu hassen.

It is wrong to hate people.

Infinitive phrase used as a subject.

Ich hasse es, wenn Leute lügen.

I hate it when people lie.

Common B1 sentence pattern with 'wenn'.

Er hasste den Gedanken, zu versagen.

He hated the thought of failing.

Accusative noun phrase 'den Gedanken'.

Wir hassen die Ungerechtigkeit in der Welt.

We hate the injustice in the world.

Abstract noun as an object.

Warum hassen sich diese beiden Länder?

Why do these two countries hate each other?

Reflexive use: 'sich hassen'.

Ich hasse es, meine Zeit zu verschwenden.

I hate wasting my time.

Infinitive construction with 'zu'.

Ich würde es hassen, wenn wir uns streiten.

I would hate it if we argued.

Konjunktiv II (subjunctive) expressing a hypothetical.

Er empfand eine Hassliebe zu seiner Heimatstadt.

He felt a love-hate relationship with his hometown.

Use of the compound noun 'Hassliebe'.

Die Gesellschaft muss gegen den Hass vorgehen.

Society must take action against hate.

Noun 'Hass' used in a political context.

Sie hasste es zutiefst, belogen zu werden.

She deeply hated being lied to.

Adverb 'zutiefst' for emphasis + passive infinitive.

Man kann nicht gleichzeitig lieben und hassen.

One cannot love and hate at the same time.

Nominalized verbs used as concepts.

Er hasste die Arroganz der Oberschicht.

He hated the arrogance of the upper class.

Social critique usage.

Ich hasse es, wie sie mich immer korrigiert.

I hate how she always corrects me.

Subordinate clause with 'wie'.

Hass ist ein schlechter Ratgeber.

Hate is a bad counselor (idiom).

Common German proverb/idiom.

Die Protagonistin hasste die Enge der bürgerlichen Moral.

The protagonist hated the narrowness of bourgeois morality.

Literary context and sophisticated vocabulary.

Er hasste den Krieg mit jeder Faser seines Seins.

He hated the war with every fiber of his being.

Emphatic metaphorical expression.

Es ist schwer, jemanden zu hassen, den man versteht.

It is hard to hate someone whom you understand.

Philosophical statement with relative clause.

Sie hasste die Heuchelei der Politiker.

She hated the hypocrisy of the politicians.

Political critique.

Hass kann eine zerstörerische Kraft in der Gesellschaft sein.

Hate can be a destructive force in society.

Abstract noun as a subject.

Er hasste es, dass sein Schicksal fremdbestimmt war.

He hated that his fate was determined by others.

Complex psychological state.

Wir hassen nicht den Menschen, sondern seine Taten.

We don't hate the person, but their actions.

Nuanced moral distinction.

Die Lyrik jener Zeit war oft von Hass geprägt.

The poetry of that time was often characterized by hate.

Literary analysis.

Die Dialektik von Liebe und Hass ist ein zentrales Thema.

The dialectic of love and hate is a central theme.

Academic philosophical terminology.

Er hasste die Banalität des Bösen, die er überall sah.

He hated the banality of evil that he saw everywhere.

Intellectual/Philosophical reference.

Hass ist oft die Kehrseite verletzter Eitelkeit.

Hate is often the flip side of wounded vanity.

Psychological aphorism.

Sie hasste die Unzulänglichkeit der menschlichen Sprache.

She hated the inadequacy of human language.

Abstract existential theme.

Man hassen zu lehren ist ein Verbrechen gegen die Humanität.

To teach how to hate is a crime against humanity.

Complex infinitive construction.

Der Hass ist ein aktives Missvergnügen.

Hate is an active displeasure (Goethe quote).

Classical literary quote.

Er hasste die Indifferenz mehr als den Widerstand.

He hated indifference more than resistance.

Philosophical comparison.

Die Verinnerlichung des Hasses führt zur Selbstzerstörung.

The internalization of hate leads to self-destruction.

Advanced psychological analysis.

Common Collocations

jemanden abgrundtief hassen

den Krieg hassen

es hassen, zu warten

Lügen hassen

sich selbst hassen

Montage hassen

Ungerechtigkeit hassen

Veränderungen hassen

den Regen hassen

jemanden leidenschaftlich hassen

Common Phrases

Ich hasse es!

— A very common exclamation of frustration or anger.

Der Computer ist schon wieder abgestürzt. Ich hasse es!

Hassliebe

— A relationship characterized by both love and hate.

Die beiden verbindet eine echte Hassliebe.

Hass im Netz

— Refers to cyberbullying and hate speech online.

Wir müssen gemeinsam gegen Hass im Netz kämpfen.

Hassrede

— Legal and social term for hate speech.

Hassrede ist auf dieser Plattform streng verboten.

Blind vor Hass

— Being so angry that one cannot think or act rationally.

Er war blind vor Hass und beging einen Fehler.

Hasserfüllter Blick

— A look or stare that is full of hatred.

Sie warf ihm einen hasserfüllten Blick zu.

Etwas wie die Pest hassen

— To hate something intensely (like the plague).

Ich hasse Gartenarbeit wie die Pest.

Vom Hass zerfressen

— To be consumed or destroyed by one's own hatred.

Er ist innerlich vom Hass auf seinen Bruder zerfressen.

Hass schüren

— To actively encourage or incite hatred in others.

Manche Politiker versuchen, Hass gegen Minderheiten zu schüren.

Aus Hass handeln

— To act based on feelings of hatred.

Die Tat wurde eindeutig aus Hass begangen.

Often Confused With

Hassen vs hasten

Means 'to hurry'. Sounds similar but has a 't' in the stem.

Hassen vs hast

Second person singular of 'haben' (to have). Sounds almost identical.

Hassen vs heißen

Means 'to be called'. Beginners sometimes mix up the 'h' verbs.

Idioms & Expressions

"Etwas wie die Pest hassen"

— To have an extreme, visceral dislike for something.

Er hasst Unpünktlichkeit wie die Pest.

informal

"Hass ist ein schlechter Ratgeber"

— Decisions made out of hatred are usually bad ones.

Beruhige dich, denn Hass ist ein schlechter Ratgeber.

neutral/proverb

"Seinen Hass an jemandem auslassen"

— To take out one's anger or hatred on an innocent person.

Lass deinen Hass nicht an mir aus!

neutral

"In Hassliebe verbunden sein"

— To be stuck in a complex relationship of love and hate.

Die beiden Firmen sind seit Jahrzehnten in Hassliebe verbunden.

neutral

"Sich hassen wie die Kesselflicker"

— To hate each other intensely and noisily (old-fashioned).

Die Nachbarn hassen sich wie die Kesselflicker.

informal/old-fashioned

"Hass sät man nicht"

— One should not spread hatred (moral teaching).

Erinnere dich daran: Hass sät man nicht.

literary

"Ein hasserfülltes Herz haben"

— To be a person who harbors deep resentment and hate.

Niemand möchte ein hasserfülltes Herz haben.

literary

"Den Hass begraben"

— To stop hating and make peace.

Nach vielen Jahren haben sie endlich den Hass begraben.

neutral

"Vom Hass geblendet sein"

— To be unable to see the truth because of hatred.

Sei nicht vom Hass geblendet, schau dir die Fakten an.

neutral

"Hassprediger"

— A person who publicly incites hatred, often used for extremists.

Der Hassprediger wurde von der Polizei festgenommen.

neutral/journalistic

Easily Confused

Hassen vs hasten

Phonetic similarity.

Hassen is to hate; hasten is to hurry. Hassen has two 's', hasten has 'st'.

Ich hasse es (I hate it) vs. Ich haste (I hurry).

Hassen vs hässlich

Shared root word 'Hass'.

Hassen is a verb; hässlich is an adjective meaning 'ugly'.

Ich hasse hässliche Kleidung.

Hassen vs verabscheuen

Similar meaning.

Verabscheuen is more formal and implies moral loathing, while hassen is more emotional.

Ich hasse Brokkoli, aber ich verabscheue Rassismus.

Hassen vs verachten

Similar meaning.

Verachten means 'to despise' or 'to look down on', implying the object is beneath you.

Er verachtet den Dieb.

Hassen vs nicht mögen

Both express dislike.

Nicht mögen is a mild dislike; hassen is an extreme dislike.

Ich mag Tee nicht besonders, aber ich hasse Kaffee.

Sentence Patterns

Ich hasse [Nomen].

Ich hasse Spinat.

Ich habe [Nomen] gehasst.

Ich habe die Schule gehasst.

Ich hasse es, [zu + Verb].

Ich hasse es, zu joggen.

Ich hasse es, wenn [Satz].

Ich hasse es, wenn es schneit.

Er wird von [Dativ] gehasst.

Er wird von allen gehasst.

Ich würde es hassen, [zu + Verb].

Ich würde es hassen, zu lügen.

[Nomen] ist mir verhasst.

Dieser Ort ist mir verhasst.

Hass ist [Nomen].

Hass ist ein Zeichen von Schwäche.

Word Family

Nouns

der Hass (hatred)

der Hasser (hater)

die Hassliebe (love-hate relationship)

die Hassrede (hate speech)

die Hasskappe (intense anger/hatred - slang)

Verbs

hassen (to hate)

verhassen (rarely used as verb, usually as participle 'verhasst' - hated)

anfeinden (to treat with hostility)

Adjectives

hasserfüllt (hateful/full of hate)

hassenswert (hateful/deserving of hate)

verhasst (hated/detested)

hässlich (ugly - etymologically related but meaning shifted)

Hasskriminalität

Hasskommentar

Selbsthass

Frauenhass

Menschenhass

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in both spoken and written German.

Common Mistakes

Ich hasse zu warten. → Ich hasse es zu warten.
In German, you need the placeholder 'es' when using an infinitive construction with 'hassen'.
Ich hasse der Regen. → Ich hasse den Regen.
'Hassen' takes the accusative case. 'Der Regen' (masculine) must change to 'den Regen'.
Du hast mich. → Du hasst mich.
If you mean 'You hate me', you need the double 's'. 'Du hast mich' means 'You have me'.
Ich hasse, wenn du das sagst. → Ich hasse es, wenn du das sagst.
Similar to the infinitive rule, a 'wenn' clause requires the placeholder 'es' in the main clause.
Er hasste ihm. → Er hasste ihn.
'Hassen' takes the accusative (ihn), not the dative (ihm).

Tips

Use the Accusative

Always remember that the object you hate must be in the accusative case. For masculine nouns, the article changes from 'der' to 'den'.

Learn Synonyms

Don't just use 'hassen'. Learn 'nicht leiden können' for people and 'verabscheuen' for moral issues to sound more like a native.

Watch the Intensity

In Germany, 'hassen' is a very strong word. Avoid using it for minor inconveniences in formal settings to avoid sounding aggressive.

Double 's', no 'ß'

Because the 'a' in 'hassen' is short, you must use a double 's'. Never write it with 'ß'.

Context is King

When you hear 'du hast', check the rest of the sentence. If there's a past participle like 'gekauft', it's 'have'. If it's just 'du hasst ihn', it's 'hate'.

The 'es' Placeholder

When writing sentences like 'I hate that...', always include 'es'. 'Ich hasse es, dass...' is the correct structure.

Historical Sensitivity

Be aware that 'Hass' is a sensitive topic in Germany due to its history. Use the word thoughtfully in social and political discussions.

Sharp 's'

Make sure your 's' sound is voiceless and sharp, like a hiss. A voiced 'z' sound will make the word sound incorrect.

Contrast with 'Lieben'

Practice 'hassen' and 'lieben' together to learn the extremes of emotion and their similar grammatical structures.

Idiomatic Use

Use 'wie die Pest hassen' to sound more idiomatic when expressing a very strong personal dislike for something.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the word 'Hate' and 'Hassen'. They both start with 'Ha' and convey the same strong emotion. Imagine a person making a 'Hissing' sound like a snake because they 'Hassen' something.

Visual Association

Picture a big red 'X' over something you really dislike, while shouting 'HASSEN!'. The red color symbolizes the heat of the emotion.

Word Web

Lieben (Antonym) Hass (Noun) Wut (Anger) Abneigung (Dislike) Verabscheuen (Synonym) Hassrede (Social) Hasserfüllt (Adjective) Feindschaft (Enmity)

Challenge

Try to list three things you 'hassen' and three things you 'lieben' in German every morning for a week to master the contrast.

Word Origin

Derived from the Middle High German 'hazzen' and Old High German 'hazzōn'.

Original meaning: The original meaning in Proto-Germanic was related to the concept of 'pursuing' or 'grieving'.

Germanic. Cognate with English 'hate', Dutch 'haten', and Old Norse 'hata'.

Cultural Context

Be extremely careful when using 'hassen' in relation to ethnic, religious, or social groups in Germany, as this can be legally classified as 'Volksverhetzung'.

English speakers use 'hate' much more casually than Germans. In English, 'I hate this weather' is a daily phrase; in German, it can sound more dramatic.

The song 'Du Hast' by Rammstein (plays on 'hast' vs 'hasst'). Goethe's poem 'Hass ist ein aktives Missvergnügen'. The movie 'Der Hass' (La Haine, though French, is very famous in Germany).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Expressing dislike for food

Ich hasse Rosenkohl.
Ich hasse es, wenn das Essen kalt ist.
Er hasst scharfes Essen.
Hass du Oliven?

Complaining about weather

Ich hasse den Regen.
Wir hassen diese Hitze.
Sie hasst den grauen Winter.
Alle hassen Glatteis.

Talking about work/school

Ich hasse Montage.
Er hasst seinen Chef.
Wir hassen Überstunden.
Sie hasst Prüfungsstress.

Social/Political opinions

Ich hasse Ungerechtigkeit.
Man sollte niemanden hassen.
Gegen Hass und Gewalt.
Hass ist keine Meinung.

Personal relationships

Ich hasse dich!
Sie hassen sich gegenseitig.
Er hat sie gehasst.
Warum hasst du mich so?

Conversation Starters

"Gibt es ein Essen, das du absolut hasst?"

"Welche Eigenschaft hasst du an anderen Menschen am meisten?"

"Hasst du es auch, wenn der Bus zu spät kommt?"

"Warum hassen so viele Leute Montage?"

"Glaubst du, man kann jemanden hassen und trotzdem lieben?"

Journal Prompts

Schreibe über eine Sache, die du als Kind gehasst hast, aber jetzt magst.

Warum ist Hass ein gefährliches Gefühl für die Gesellschaft?

Beschreibe eine Situation, in der du es gehasst hast, im Mittelpunkt zu stehen.

Was hasst du mehr: Unpünktlichkeit oder Unhöflichkeit? Warum?

Wie gehst du damit um, wenn du merkst, dass du jemanden hasst?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions