Em 15 segundos
- Used to describe a very experienced person or a 'pro'.
- Comes from hunting: old rabbits are harder to catch.
- Complimentary and respectful, though it uses the word 'old'.
Significado
This phrase describes someone who is a seasoned pro or an 'old hand' at something. It means they have so much experience that they've seen it all and can't be easily fooled.
Exemplos-chave
3 de 6Introducing a senior colleague to a new hire
Frag am besten Thomas, er ist in dieser Firma ein alter Hase.
It's best to ask Thomas; he's an old hand in this company.
Talking about a friend's skiing skills
Mach dir keine Sorgen, beim Skifahren ist sie ein alter Hase.
Don't worry, she's a pro when it comes to skiing.
Texting about a difficult video game level
Kein Problem für mich, ich bin ein alter Hase bei Zelda!
No problem for me, I'm a veteran when it comes to Zelda!
Contexto cultural
The phrase originates from hunting folklore, where an 'old rabbit' was one that had escaped many dogs and traps. In German culture, which deeply respects craftsmanship and long-term expertise (the 'Meister' tradition), this idiom is a badge of honor. It reflects a societal appreciation for the wisdom that only comes through years of practice.
The Gender Switch
If you're talking about a woman, you can say `alte Häsin`. It's common and sounds very natural!
Don't mention the age
Even though it means 'experienced', avoid using it for someone who is sensitive about getting older unless you know them well.
Em 15 segundos
- Used to describe a very experienced person or a 'pro'.
- Comes from hunting: old rabbits are harder to catch.
- Complimentary and respectful, though it uses the word 'old'.
What It Means
Imagine a rabbit that has survived many hunting seasons. He knows every hideout. He knows every trick of the fox. In German, calling someone ein alter Hase means they are incredibly experienced. You are saying they are a veteran in their field. It is a high compliment for their skills and wisdom. It suggests they have deep, practical knowledge that only comes with time.
How To Use It
You use this phrase just like the English 'old hand' or 'pro.' You can apply it to hobbies, jobs, or even life skills. The grammar is simple. You use the verb sein (to be). For example: Er ist ein alter Hase. If you are talking about a woman, you say eine alte Häsin. Just remember to decline the adjective alt based on the person you are describing. It fits perfectly when you want to reassure someone about a person's competence.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to show respect for someone's expertise. It works great in a professional setting when introducing a mentor. It is perfect for casual chats about sports or gaming too. If your friend is nervous about a job interview, tell them they are ein alter Hase. Use it at a restaurant when the waiter handles a huge crowd perfectly. It is a warm, positive way to acknowledge mastery.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using this if someone is actually sensitive about their age. While it refers to experience, the word alt (old) is right there. Don't use it for a child who is just talented; they haven't lived long enough to be a 'rabbit.' Also, skip it in extremely stiff, legal documents. It is a colorful idiom, not a formal title. Don't use it for someone who is just starting out, even if they are doing a great job.
Cultural Background
This expression dates back centuries to the world of hunting. Hunters noticed that older rabbits were much harder to catch. They had learned the layout of the fields and the behavior of predators. Over time, this observation moved from the forest into the office and the home. Germans value 'Erfahrung' (experience) very highly. Being called a 'rabbit' isn't about being small or cute. It’s about being clever and resilient.
Common Variations
You might hear people say ein alter Fuchs (an old fox). That implies someone is more 'sly' or 'cunning' than just experienced. You can also add emphasis by saying ein ganz alter Hase. This means they are a true legend in their field. Sometimes people just say 'Hase' in this context, but the 'alt' is what gives it the weight of authority. It remains one of the most common idioms in daily German life.
Notas de uso
The phrase is neutral to informal. It is widely accepted in office environments to describe someone's tenure, but in very formal writing, use the adjective 'erfahren' (experienced) instead.
The Gender Switch
If you're talking about a woman, you can say `alte Häsin`. It's common and sounds very natural!
Don't mention the age
Even though it means 'experienced', avoid using it for someone who is sensitive about getting older unless you know them well.
The Rabbit vs. The Fox
In German, a rabbit is experienced, but a fox (`ein alter Fuchs`) is clever or even a bit sneaky. Choose your animal wisely!
Exemplos
6Frag am besten Thomas, er ist in dieser Firma ein alter Hase.
It's best to ask Thomas; he's an old hand in this company.
Shows Thomas is the go-to person for institutional knowledge.
Mach dir keine Sorgen, beim Skifahren ist sie ein alter Hase.
Don't worry, she's a pro when it comes to skiing.
Used to reassure someone about another person's safety/skill.
Kein Problem für mich, ich bin ein alter Hase bei Zelda!
No problem for me, I'm a veteran when it comes to Zelda!
A casual way to brag slightly about one's hobby experience.
Opa ist ein alter Hase, wenn es darum geht, das Buffet zu stürmen.
Grandpa is a seasoned pro at storming the buffet.
Uses the idiom in a lighthearted, funny way.
Du schaffst das, du bist doch schon ein alter Hase auf der Bühne.
You can do it; you're already a veteran on stage.
Provides emotional support by reminding them of their history.
Der Mechaniker ist ein alter Hase, der findet den Fehler sofort.
The mechanic is an old hand; he'll find the fault immediately.
Expresses trust in someone's professional diagnostic skills.
Teste-se
Choose the correct form for a female expert.
Meine Tante arbeitet seit 30 Jahren als Ärztin, sie ist eine ___ ___.
While 'alter Hase' is often used generically, 'alte Häsin' is the specific female form for a woman with experience.
Complete the sentence to describe a seasoned traveler.
Ich reise viel, ich bin ein ___ ___ beim Kofferpacken.
'Alter Hase' fits the context of being experienced at packing suitcases.
🎉 Pontuação: /2
Recursos visuais
Formality of 'Ein alter Hase sein'
Too meaningful for pure slang.
N/A
Perfect for friends and family.
Du bist ein alter Hase!
Common in offices and news.
Er ist ein alter Hase im Geschäft.
Use 'erfahren' instead in legal texts.
Sie ist sehr erfahren.
Where to spot an 'Old Rabbit'
At Work
The colleague who knows the printer's quirks.
Sports
The coach who has won every trophy.
Hobbies
The gardener who knows exactly when to plant.
Kitchen
Grandma cooking without a recipe.
Banco de exercicios
2 exerciciosMeine Tante arbeitet seit 30 Jahren als Ärztin, sie ist eine ___ ___.
While 'alter Hase' is often used generically, 'alte Häsin' is the specific female form for a woman with experience.
Ich reise viel, ich bin ein ___ ___ beim Kofferpacken.
'Alter Hase' fits the context of being experienced at packing suitcases.
🎉 Pontuação: /2
Perguntas frequentes
11 perguntasIn this specific idiom, 'alt' refers to the duration of experience, not necessarily biological age. However, use it with a smile to ensure it's taken as the compliment it is.
Yes, if they have been doing something for a long time relative to their age. For example, a 15-year-old who has played chess since age 4 could be ein alter Hase at chess.
The female version is eine alte Häsin. You change both the article and the noun ending.
It is better to use it to describe someone else or to use it in a slightly self-deprecating, humorous way. For your own skills, 'langjährige Erfahrung' sounds more professional.
Not at all! You can be an alter Hase at traveling, cooking, dating, or even navigating the local subway system.
Yes, you can say Wir sind alte Hasen. It means 'We are old hands/veterans'.
A 'Profi' (professional) might just be someone who gets paid. An alter Hase implies they have the wisdom and 'tricks' that only come with time.
Yes, it is a standard idiom used from Hamburg to Munich.
No, that's not a standard idiom. For a beginner, you would use ein grüner Junge or ein Neuling.
Quite the opposite! It implies they are efficient because they know the shortcuts and how to avoid mistakes.
It might be a bit too casual. Better to stick to Sie haben sehr viel Erfahrung (You have a lot of experience) unless the professor is very relaxed.
Frases relacionadas
ein alter Fuchs sein
To be a sly/clever person
alle Wasser gewaschen sein
To be street-smart/know all the tricks
vom Fach sein
To be an expert in a specific field
ein Profi sein
To be a professional
