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B1 Verb #37 mais comum 10 min de leitura

heißt

Top 37

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas heißt em 30 segundos

Explicação heißt in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'heißt' is one of the very first verbs you learn. Its primary function is for introductions. You learn the phrase 'Wie heißt du?' (What is your name?) and the response 'Ich heiße...' (My name is...). At this stage, you don't need to worry about the complex grammatical rules or alternative meanings. You simply use it as a fixed expression to identify yourself and others. You might also learn 'Wie heißt das auf Deutsch?' (What is that called in German?) to help you build your vocabulary by asking for the names of objects. The focus is entirely on naming and identification in simple, everyday situations. You will practice conjugating it, noting that 'du heißt' and 'er/sie/es heißt' look the same, which is a helpful shortcut for beginners.

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At the A2 level, your use of 'heißt' expands to include simple explanations and the concept of 'meaning.' You start to use 'Das heißt' to clarify your sentences when you realize your conversation partner hasn't understood you. For example, 'Ich habe keine Zeit, das heißt, ich kann nicht kommen.' You also use it more frequently to ask for translations of more complex ideas, not just single objects. You begin to see it in short texts and stories where characters are introduced. The grammatical focus shifts slightly to recognizing 'heißt' in different sentence positions, such as in questions where the verb comes first ('Heißt dein Bruder auch Lukas?'). You are becoming more comfortable with the verb as a tool for basic communication and clarification.

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At the B1 level, 'heißt' becomes a crucial logical connector. You are expected to use 'Das heißt' (often abbreviated as d.h.) to link ideas and draw conclusions in both speaking and writing. This is the level where you must distinguish clearly between 'heißt' (definition/translation) and 'bedeutet' (significance/importance). You will also encounter the impersonal 'Es heißt' (It is said) in news articles or more complex reading passages. You start to use idiomatic expressions like 'Was soll das heißen?' to express nuances like surprise or doubt. Your understanding of the verb is no longer just about names; it is about the relationship between concepts and the way information is reported in society. You are expected to use it accurately in the 2nd person plural ('ihr heißt') as well.

At the B2 level, you use 'heißt' with greater stylistic variety. You understand the subtle difference between 'nennen' and 'heißen' and can use them appropriately to describe social relationships (e.g., nicknames). You are comfortable with 'Es heißt' in formal contexts, such as academic writing or professional reports, to convey general consensus or unconfirmed reports. You can handle more complex sentence structures involving 'heißt,' such as those with multiple clauses or modal verbs ('Das muss nicht unbedingt heißen, dass...'). You also begin to recognize the verb in more abstract contexts, such as discussing the 'meaning' of a law or a political move. Your use of the word is now precise, and you rarely confuse it with English equivalents like 'means' in the wrong context.

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At the C1 level, you have a sophisticated grasp of 'heißt' and its various registers. You can use it to create nuance in your arguments, using 'Das heißt' to pivot between different levels of abstraction. You are familiar with literary uses of the verb and can interpret 'Es heißt' not just as 'it is said,' but as a stylistic choice to create a certain atmosphere in a text. You understand the historical development of the word and how it relates to other words in the 'word family' like 'verheißen' (to promise) or 'Geheiß' (command). You can use the verb in complex idiomatic ways, such as 'Das will nichts heißen' (That doesn't necessarily mean anything), to downplay the importance of a fact during a debate. Your command of the word is near-native.

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At the C2 level, you master the most subtle and archaic uses of 'heißt.' You can appreciate and use the verb in its original sense of 'to command' or 'to bid' in literary or highly formal contexts (e.g., 'Er hieß mich willkommen'). You understand the philosophical implications of 'heißen' in German thought, particularly in the works of Heidegger ('Was heißt Denken?'). You can use the verb to play with language, employing it in puns or complex rhetorical figures. Your understanding of 'heißt' is exhaustive, covering everything from the simplest A1 introduction to the most profound C2 philosophical inquiry. You can switch between these registers effortlessly, using the word as a precision tool for communication in any possible scenario.

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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

heißt em 30 segundos

Used for names: 'Ich heiße...' is the standard way to introduce yourself in German, meaning 'I am called...'.
Used for definitions: 'Das heißt' translates to 'that means' or 'i.e.', helping to clarify or simplify statements.
Used for rumors: 'Es heißt' means 'it is said' or 'rumor has it', often used in news or storytelling.
Grammar tip: The 'du' and 'er/sie/es' forms are both 'heißt' because the verb stem ends in 'ß'.

The German word heißt is a cornerstone of the German language, serving as the primary way to express identity, naming, and logical equivalence. At its most fundamental level, it is the third-person singular and second-person plural present tense form of the verb heißen. While English speakers often look for a direct equivalent to 'is called' or 'means,' heißt bridges these concepts with a unique linguistic efficiency. In social contexts, it is the first word a learner uses to introduce themselves or ask for someone's name, but as one progresses to the B1 level and beyond, it transforms into a vital tool for clarification, definition, and reporting hearsay.

Identity and Naming: The most common use is to state a name. Unlike English, which uses the passive 'is called' or the possessive 'name is,' German uses the active verb heißen. When you say 'Er heißt Max,' you are literally saying 'He is called Max' or 'He bears the name Max.'

Mein bester Freund heißt Sebastian und er kommt aus Berlin.

Logical Equivalence: Beyond names, heißt functions as a mathematical equals sign in language. The phrase 'Das heißt' (often abbreviated as d.h.) is the German equivalent of 'that is' or 'i.e.' It is used to explain a previous statement in different words or to draw a necessary conclusion from a set of facts.

Es regnet stark, das heißt, wir bleiben heute lieber zu Hause.

Reporting Rumors: In a more advanced sense, heißt appears in the impersonal construction 'Es heißt,' which translates to 'It is said' or 'Rumor has it.' This is frequently used in journalism and storytelling to convey information without naming a specific source.

Es heißt, dass die Firma bald verkauft wird.

In summary, heißt is not just about labels; it is about the essence of what something is or what it implies. Whether you are identifying a person, defining a difficult term, or relaying a piece of gossip, this verb provides the structural link between the subject and its definition. Understanding its versatility is key to moving from basic survival German to nuanced, B1-level communication.

Using heißt correctly requires an understanding of its syntactic flexibility. Because it can mean 'to be named,' 'to mean,' or 'to signify,' the structure of the sentence changes slightly depending on the intended meaning. For English speakers, the biggest hurdle is often resisting the urge to use the verb 'sein' (to be) when a name is involved. In German, 'Er ist Max' is grammatically correct but less common than 'Er heißt Max' when introducing someone.

Direct Naming: In the simple sense of naming, the word order is usually Subject + heißt + Name. This is a transitive-like usage where the name acts as a predicative nominative. Note that names do not take articles in this context.

Wie heißt das neue Restaurant in der Stadtmitte?

The Explanatory 'Das heißt': When used to explain a concept, 'Das heißt' often acts as a parenthetical or a conjunction. It can be followed by a comma and a full clause, or it can stand alone as a clarification. In many cases, it is used to translate a word from one language to another.

'Apple' auf Deutsch heißt 'Apfel'.

The Impersonal 'Es heißt': When using 'Es heißt' to mean 'it is said,' it is almost always followed by a 'dass'-clause or an infinitive construction. This usage is common in newspapers and formal reports where the source of information is secondary to the information itself.

In der Zeitung heißt es, dass die Steuern gesenkt werden.

Furthermore, heißt can be used in the second person plural. When addressing a group of children or friends, you might say 'Ihr heißt alle gleich!', meaning 'You are all named the same!' This dual function as both 3rd person singular and 2nd person plural is due to the verb's conjugation pattern (heißen -> ich heiße, du heißt, er/sie/es heißt, wir heißen, ihr heißt, sie heißen). Note that the 'du' and 'er/sie/es' forms are identical because the stem ends in 'ß'.

The word heißt is omnipresent in German-speaking society, from the most casual playground interactions to the highest levels of academic discourse. Its frequency in daily life cannot be overstated. If you walk into a German classroom, the first thing you will hear is the teacher asking a new student, 'Wie heißt du?' In a business meeting, you will hear 'Das heißt...' as colleagues clarify project requirements or budget constraints. It is a word that functions as a linguistic glue, connecting names to faces and meanings to symbols.

Daily Social Interactions: In social settings, heißt is the standard for introductions. It is less formal than 'Mein Name ist' and more common than 'Ich bin.' You will also hear it when people talk about their pets, their hometowns, or even their favorite brands. 'Mein Hund heißt Bello' is a classic example of this usage.

Wie heißt noch mal dieser Schauspieler aus dem Film?

Academic and Professional Settings: In lectures or professional presentations, 'Das heißt' is used to define technical terms. A professor might say, 'Das ist eine endotherme Reaktion, das heißt, sie nimmt Wärme auf.' Here, the word serves to translate complex jargon into understandable concepts.

Wir haben kein Budget mehr, das heißt, das Projekt ist beendet.

Literary and Philosophical Contexts: In literature, heißt can take on a more profound meaning, signifying the essence of a thing. Philosophers like Heidegger or Nietzsche used the root verb heißen to explore what it means to 'call' something into being. While this is C2-level territory, the B1 learner will encounter it in idioms like 'Was soll das heißen?' (What is that supposed to mean?), which is often used to express disbelief or indignation.

Was heißt es eigentlich, ein guter Mensch zu sein?

Whether you are navigating a German city and asking for the name of a street, or reading a complex news article about economic shifts, heißt will be your constant companion. It is a word that demands attention because it always precedes a definition or a name—the very building blocks of understanding.

For English speakers, heißt presents several pitfalls that can lead to confusion or unnatural-sounding German. The primary issue stems from the fact that English uses different verbs ('to be called,' 'to mean,' 'to say') where German uses only one. Understanding these nuances is crucial for reaching B1 proficiency.

Confusing 'heißt' with 'bedeutet': This is the most frequent error. While both can mean 'to mean,' bedeuten is used for the symbolic or deep significance of something, whereas heißt is used for definitions or translations. If you ask 'Was bedeutet das?', you are asking for the importance. If you ask 'Was heißt das?', you are usually asking for a translation or a simpler explanation.

Incorrect: Wie bedeutet dein Name?
Correct: Wie heißt du?

Using 'ist' for Names: English speakers often say 'My name is...' and translate it directly to 'Mein Name ist...'. While this is correct, it sounds slightly formal or bureaucratic. Using 'Ich heiße...' is the more natural, native way to introduce oneself. Avoid saying 'Ich bin geheißen,' which is a literal translation of 'I am called' but is completely wrong in German.

The 'Das heißt' vs. 'Das ist' Trap: When explaining something, learners often use 'Das ist...' when they should use 'Das heißt...'. 'Das ist ein Tisch' identifies an object. 'Das heißt, wir müssen gehen' explains a situation. If you are drawing a conclusion, always use heißt.

Es ist spät. Das heißt, wir müssen uns beeilen. (Not: Das ist...)

Misusing 'Wie' and 'Was': When asking for a name, you must use 'Wie' (How). 'Was heißt du?' is incorrect. However, when asking for the meaning of a word, you use 'Was'. 'Was heißt 'bread' auf Deutsch?' is correct. This distinction is often confusing for beginners.

By paying attention to these common errors, you will avoid the 'English-sounding' German that many learners struggle with. Remember: use heißt for names, translations, and logical conclusions, and always double-check your 'Wie' vs. 'Was' in questions.

While heißt is incredibly versatile, German offers several other verbs that overlap with its meanings. Choosing the right one can make your German sound more precise and sophisticated. At the B1 level, you should start distinguishing between these synonyms based on the context of the conversation.

heißt vs. bedeutet: As mentioned, heißt is for definitions and translations. Bedeuten is for significance. If a friend gives you a ring, you wouldn't say 'Was heißt das?' (What does this word mean?), you would say 'Was bedeutet das?' (What is the significance of this gesture?).

Dieses Symbol bedeutet Gefahr, aber das Wort heißt einfach 'Achtung'.

heißt vs. nennen: Heißen is passive in sense (to be named), while nennen is active (to call/name someone). You would say 'Ich heiße Thomas,' but 'Meine Freunde nennen mich Tom.' Use nennen when you are the one bestowing the name or nickname.

Er heißt Alexander, aber wir nennen ihn Alex.

heißt vs. sagen: While 'Es heißt' means 'It is said,' the verb sagen is used for direct speech. 'Er sagt, dass...' is a direct report of someone's words. 'Es heißt, dass...' is a report of general knowledge or rumors. Use sagen when you have a specific subject doing the talking.

Man sagt, er sei reich, aber es heißt auch, er sei geizig.

Understanding these distinctions allows you to navigate the subtle differences between naming, meaning, and reporting. While heißt is often the 'safe' choice, using nennen, bedeuten, or sagen in the right context will significantly improve your linguistic precision.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

The English word 'behest' (a command) is a distant cousin of the German 'heißen'. You can still see the 'command' meaning in the German noun 'Geheiß'.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /haɪst/

US /haɪst/

The stress is on the only syllable.

Rima com

Geist meist reist weist speist preist verwaist vereist

Erros comuns

Pronouncing 'ei' as 'ee' (like 'heest'). In German, 'ei' is always 'eye'.
Missing the 't' at the end.
Pronouncing 'ß' as 'sh' instead of 's'.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 2/5

Easy to recognize, but 'Es heißt' and 'Das heißt' require context.

Escrita 3/5

Conjugation is easy, but spelling with 'ß' can be tricky for beginners.

Expressão oral 2/5

Essential for basic conversation; very high frequency.

Audição 2/5

Clear pronunciation, but can be confused with 'heiß' (hot).

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

ich du Name wie was

Aprenda a seguir

bedeuten nennen vorstellen kennen wissen

Avançado

verheißen gutheißen bezeichnen besagen

Gramática essencial

Conjugation of 'heißen'

ich heiße, du heißt, er heißt, wir heißen, ihr heißt, sie heißen.

Stem-ending in 'ß'

Because the stem ends in 'ß', the 'st' ending for 'du' becomes just 't' (du heißt).

Verb Position in Questions

In 'Wie heißt du?', the verb is in the second position after the question word.

Impersonal 'Es'

'Es heißt' uses the dummy subject 'es' to report general information.

Das heißt as a Connector

It can be used to link two main clauses, often followed by a comma.

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Exemplos por nível

Wie heißt du?

What is your name?

Direct question using 'wie' (how) instead of 'was' (what).

Ich heiße Maria.

My name is Maria.

First person singular conjugation: ich heiße.

Er heißt Peter.

His name is Peter.

Third person singular conjugation: er heißt.

Wie heißt das auf Deutsch?

What is that called in German?

Common phrase for learners to ask for vocabulary.

Das heißt 'Tisch'.

That is called 'table'.

Using 'heißt' to provide a name for an object.

Meine Katze heißt Luna.

My cat is named Luna.

Using 'heißt' for pet names.

Heißt du Stefan?

Is your name Stefan?

Yes/No question with the verb in the first position.

Ihr heißt beide Anna.

You are both named Anna.

Second person plural conjugation: ihr heißt.

Das heißt, wir haben ein Problem.

That means we have a problem.

Using 'Das heißt' to introduce a conclusion.

Wie heißt deine Heimatstadt?

What is the name of your hometown?

Asking for the name of a place.

Was heißt 'Brot' auf Englisch?

What does 'Brot' mean in English?

Using 'was' when asking for a translation.

Mein Bruder heißt Markus, nicht Max.

My brother's name is Markus, not Max.

Clarifying a name.

Das heißt, ich komme morgen später.

That means I will come later tomorrow.

Using 'Das heißt' for logistical clarification.

Heißt das, du bist fertig?

Does that mean you are finished?

Questioning a conclusion.

Der Film heißt 'Der Himmel über Berlin'.

The movie is called 'Wings of Desire'.

Naming a piece of media.

Wie heißt die Hauptstadt von Frankreich?

What is the capital of France called?

General knowledge question.

Es heißt, dass es morgen regnen wird.

It is said that it will rain tomorrow.

Impersonal 'Es heißt' followed by a 'dass' clause.

Was soll das eigentlich heißen?

What is that actually supposed to mean?

Idiomatic expression of doubt or indignation.

Das heißt also, wir müssen von vorne anfangen.

So that means we have to start from the beginning.

Using 'also' with 'das heißt' for emphasis.

Wie heißt das Wort, das ich suche?

What is the word I am looking for?

Relative clause following the noun 'Wort'.

In der Zeitung heißt es, die Preise steigen.

In the newspaper it says the prices are rising.

Reporting information from a source.

Das heißt nicht, dass ich dir nicht glaube.

That doesn't mean that I don't believe you.

Negative conclusion: 'Das heißt nicht, dass...'

Wie heißt die neue Kollegin aus der IT?

What is the name of the new colleague from IT?

Professional context for naming.

Das heißt im Klartext: Wir sind pleite.

In plain English, that means: We are broke.

Using 'im Klartext' for directness.

Das will noch nichts heißen.

That doesn't necessarily mean anything yet.

Idiom using 'wollen' to downplay significance.

Es heißt, er habe Millionen im Lotto gewonnen.

It is said that he won millions in the lottery.

Using Konjunktiv I for reported speech after 'Es heißt'.

Was heißt hier 'zu spät'? Ich bin pünktlich!

What do you mean 'too late'? I'm on time!

Rhetorical use of 'Was heißt hier...' to challenge a statement.

Das heißt im Umkehrschluss, dass wir gewinnen.

Conversely, that means that we are winning.

Using 'im Umkehrschluss' for logical inversion.

Wie heißt es so schön: Ende gut, alles gut.

As the saying goes: All's well that ends well.

Introductory phrase for proverbs or idioms.

Das heißt für uns eine Menge Arbeit.

That means a lot of work for us.

Using 'für uns' to show impact.

Heißt das etwa, du hast gelogen?

Does that mean you lied?

Using 'etwa' to express disbelief in a question.

Es heißt, die alte Villa sei verhext.

They say the old villa is haunted.

Folklore/rumor usage with Konjunktiv.

Das heißt keineswegs, dass die Krise vorbei ist.

That by no means means that the crisis is over.

Strong negation with 'keineswegs'.

Was heißt es, in einer Demokratie zu leben?

What does it mean to live in a democracy?

Abstract, philosophical inquiry.

Es heißt, der Autor habe das Ende bewusst offen gelassen.

It is said that the author deliberately left the ending open.

Literary analysis using reported speech.

Das heißt im übertragenen Sinne, dass wir uns ändern müssen.

In a figurative sense, that means we must change.

Using 'im übertragenen Sinne' for metaphors.

Wie heißt der Fachbegriff für dieses Phänomen?

What is the technical term for this phenomenon?

Asking for specific, high-level terminology.

Das heißt, um es kurz zu machen: Wir scheitern.

That means, to put it briefly: We are failing.

Parenthetical insertion 'um es kurz zu machen'.

Es heißt, die Verhandlungen stünden kurz vor dem Abschluss.

It is reported that the negotiations are nearing completion.

Formal journalistic reporting.

Was heißt hier 'unmöglich'? Wir versuchen es!

What do you mean 'impossible'? We're trying!

Challenging a premise with rhetorical force.

Er hieß sie eintreten, ohne ein Wort zu sagen.

He bade them enter without saying a word.

Archaic/literary use of 'heißen' as 'to command/bid'.

Was heißt Denken im Zeitalter der künstlichen Intelligenz?

What does thinking mean in the age of artificial intelligence?

Philosophical discourse (Heideggerian style).

Das heißt, die ontologische Differenz zu wahren.

That means maintaining the ontological difference.

Highly academic/philosophical terminology.

Es heißt, die Götter seien den Mutigen gewogen.

It is said that the gods favor the brave.

Mythological/literary register.

Das will besagen, dass die Evidenz nicht ausreicht.

That is to say that the evidence is insufficient.

Formal alternative to 'das heißt'.

Wie heißt es in Goethes Faust so treffend?

As it is so aptly stated in Goethe's Faust?

Referencing classical literature.

Das heißt, wir müssen die Prämissen neu bewerten.

That means we must re-evaluate the premises.

Analytical/logical context.

Man hieß ihn einen Verräter, doch er war ein Held.

They called him a traitor, but he was a hero.

Literary use of 'heißen' as 'to call/label'.

Colocações comuns

Das heißt

Wie heißt du?

Es heißt, dass

Was heißt das?

Wie es so schön heißt

Das will nichts heißen

Was soll das heißen?

Heißt das etwa...

Im Klartext heißt das

So heißt es

Frases Comuns

Das heißt (d.h.)

— Used to clarify or provide an equivalent explanation. Equivalent to 'that is' or 'i.e.'

Wir brauchen mehr Zeit, d.h. wir verschieben den Termin.

Wie heißt das auf Deutsch?

— A standard question used by learners to ask for the German name of an object.

Entschuldigung, wie heißt das auf Deutsch?

Was heißt '...'?

— Used to ask for the translation or definition of a specific word.

Was heißt 'freedom'?

Es heißt...

— Used to report a rumor or a general belief without a specific source.

Es heißt, der Chef geht bald in Rente.

Wie heißt du mit Nachnamen?

— Asking specifically for someone's last name.

Wie heißt du mit Nachnamen? - Müller.

Das heißt noch lange nicht...

— Used to say that one fact does not necessarily lead to a certain conclusion.

Er hat Geld, aber das heißt noch lange nicht, dass er glücklich ist.

Wie heißt es doch gleich?

— Used when you are trying to remember a name or a specific word.

Wie heißt es doch gleich? Ah ja, 'Fernweh'.

Das heißt so viel wie...

— Used to give an approximate meaning or translation of a phrase.

'Moin' heißt so viel wie 'Guten Tag'.

Heißt das, dass...?

— A question used to confirm a logical conclusion.

Heißt das, dass du mir hilfst?

Wie heißt die Adresse?

— Asking for the specific name or location of an address.

Wie heißt die Adresse vom Hotel?

Frequentemente confundido com

heißt vs heiß

This is the adjective for 'hot'. It sounds similar but lacks the final 't' of the verb form.

heißt vs bedeutet

Means 'to signify'. Use 'heißt' for names/translations and 'bedeutet' for importance/symbols.

heißt vs ist

While you can say 'Mein Name ist...', 'Ich heiße...' is the more idiomatic German choice.

Expressões idiomáticas

"Das will nichts heißen"

— That doesn't mean much; it's not significant.

Er hat zwar ein teures Auto, aber das will nichts heißen.

neutral

"Was soll das heißen?"

— What is that supposed to mean? (Often used to express offense or confusion).

Was soll das heißen, ich bin zu langsam?

informal

"Wie es so schön heißt"

— As the saying goes; as they say.

Wie es so schön heißt: Der Klügere gibt nach.

neutral

"Das heißt im Klartext"

— In plain language; to put it simply.

Das heißt im Klartext: Wir haben kein Geld mehr.

neutral

"Heißt das etwa...?"

— Does that mean...? (Used to express surprise or disbelief).

Heißt das etwa, du kommst nicht?

informal

"Das heißt so viel wie..."

— That's as much as to say...; that roughly means...

Sein Schweigen heißt so viel wie 'Nein'.

neutral

"Was heißt hier...?"

— What do you mean by...? (Used to challenge a specific word used by someone else).

Was heißt hier 'teuer'? Es ist ein Schnäppchen!

informal

"Es heißt, dass..."

— Rumor has it that...; it is said that...

Es heißt, dass sie bald heiraten.

neutral

"Das heißt nicht die Welt"

— That doesn't mean the world; it's not a big deal.

Ein kleiner Fehler heißt nicht die Welt.

informal

"Heißt das, wir sind quitt?"

— Does that mean we are even?

Ich zahle das Essen, heißt das, wir sind quitt?

informal

Fácil de confundir

heißt vs bedeuten

Both can be translated as 'to mean' in English.

'Heißen' is for semantic equivalence (A = B), while 'bedeuten' is for significance or consequences.

Das Wort 'Hund' heißt 'dog'. Deine Hilfe bedeutet mir viel.

heißt vs nennen

Both relate to naming.

'Heißen' is what someone is called (passive sense), 'nennen' is what you call them (active sense).

Ich heiße Robert, aber alle nennen mich Rob.

heißt vs sagen

Both can report information.

'Sagen' is for direct/indirect speech by a person. 'Es heißt' is for general rumors or reports.

Er sagt, er kommt. Es heißt, er kommt.

heißt vs lauten

Both can give the content of a name or answer.

'Lauten' is more formal and used for the exact wording of titles, laws, or results.

Wie lautet das Urteil? Wie heißt du?

heißt vs meinen

Both can relate to meaning.

'Meinen' refers to a person's opinion or intention ('I mean...'). 'Heißen' refers to the word's definition.

Ich meine, das ist falsch. Was heißt dieses Wort?

Padrões de frases

Wie heißt [Subject]?

Wie heißt dein Hund?

[Subject] heißt [Name].

Mein Bruder heißt Tom.

Was heißt [Word] auf [Language]?

Was heißt 'water' auf Deutsch?

Das heißt, [Clause].

Das heißt, wir sind zu spät.

Es heißt, dass [Clause].

Es heißt, dass es heute schneit.

Was soll das heißen?

Was soll das heißen? Ich verstehe dich nicht.

Das will nichts heißen.

Er ist zwar reich, aber das will nichts heißen.

Was heißt es, [Infinitive]?

Was heißt es, mutig zu sein?

Família de palavras

Substantivos

Geheiß (command)

Verheißung (promise)

Verbos

heißen (to be named/mean)

verheißen (to promise/augur)

gutheißen (to approve)

Adjetivos

verheißungsvoll (promising)

namens (by the name of)

Relacionado

Name

Bedeutung

Bezeichnung

Ruf

Sinn

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Como usar

frequency

Extremely high. It is in the top 100 most used German verbs.

Erros comuns

Was heißt du? → Wie heißt du?
In German, you ask 'how' you are called, not 'what'.
Das bedeutet 'apple' auf Deutsch. → Das heißt 'apple' auf Deutsch.
Use 'heißt' for translations and definitions.
Ich bin geheißen Max. → Ich heiße Max.
Don't try to translate 'I am called' literally. Use the active form.
Du heißst Stefan. → Du heißt Stefan.
Since the stem ends in 'ß', you don't add an extra 's' in the 'du' form.
Das ist, wir müssen gehen. → Das heißt, wir müssen gehen.
Use 'Das heißt' to introduce a logical consequence, not 'Das ist'.

Dicas

Conjugation Shortcut

Remember that 'du heißt' and 'er/sie/es heißt' are the same. This makes learning the verb easier than others!

Ask for Words

Use 'Wie heißt das auf Deutsch?' constantly. It's the best way to learn new vocabulary from native speakers.

Logical Flow

Use 'Das heißt' to connect your thoughts. it makes your German sound more organized and professional.

Translation vs. Meaning

Use 'heißt' when you want the literal translation of a word. Use 'bedeutet' when you want to know why something is important.

First Meetings

Stick to 'Ich heiße...' for a natural introduction. It's friendly and standard.

The Final T

Listen for the sharp 't' at the end to distinguish 'heißt' from the adjective 'heiß' (hot).

Abbreviation Space

When writing 'd. h.', always put a space between the 'd.' and the 'h.'. It's a small detail that shows high proficiency.

Don't Overthink 'Will'

In the phrase 'Das will nichts heißen', the word 'will' doesn't mean 'want'. The whole phrase just means 'That doesn't mean much'.

The EI Sound

Always pronounce 'ei' like the English word 'eye'. 'Heißt' should never sound like 'heest'.

Hearsay

Practice using 'Es heißt, dass...' to share news or rumors. It's a great way to start a conversation.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of 'Height'. When you are at a certain 'height', you can 'call' out your name. 'Heißt' sounds like 'Height' but with an 's' before the 't'.

Associação visual

Imagine a name tag on a person. On the tag, it says 'HEIẞT' followed by their name. Or imagine an equals sign (=) with the word 'heißt' written on top of it.

Word Web

Name Bedeutung Identität Sprache Erklärung Übersetzung Gerücht Logik

Desafio

Try to introduce three fictional characters using 'heißt' and then explain one difficult concept using 'Das heißt' in a single paragraph.

Origem da palavra

From Middle High German 'heißen', from Old High German 'heizzan'. It is related to the Old English 'hātan' (to call, name, command).

Significado original: The original meaning was 'to command' or 'to call'. Over time, it shifted to 'to be called' (passive sense) and 'to mean'.

Germanic

Contexto cultural

Be careful when asking for names in very formal settings; 'Wie heißen Sie?' is always safer than 'Wie heißt du?' unless you are of the same age or social status.

English speakers often struggle with the 'Wie' (How) vs 'Was' (What) distinction. In English, we ask 'What is your name?', but in German, you ask 'How are you called?'

Martin Heidegger: 'Was heißt Denken?' (Philosophical work) Goethe's Faust: 'Wie hast du's mit der Religion?' (Though not using heißt, it's the same spirit of inquiry) The movie 'Der Himmel über Berlin' (Wings of Desire) - often used to practice naming.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Introductions

Wie heißt du?
Ich heiße...
Wie heißt er?
Wie heißt sie?

Language Learning

Wie heißt das auf Deutsch?
Was heißt dieses Wort?
Wie heißt 'apple'?
Das heißt...

Clarification

Das heißt also...
Was soll das heißen?
Heißt das, dass...?
Das heißt im Klartext...

Rumors/News

Es heißt, dass...
In der Zeitung heißt es...
So heißt es zumindest.
Wie es heißt...

Proverbs

Wie es so schön heißt...
Wie heißt es doch gleich?
Das will nichts heißen.
Was heißt schon...

Iniciadores de conversa

"Wie heißt eigentlich dein Lieblingsfilm und warum magst du ihn?"

"Weißt du, wie dieses Gebäude dort drüben heißt?"

"Was heißt 'Glück' für dich persönlich in deinem Alltag?"

"Es heißt, dass das neue Restaurant sehr gut ist. Warst du schon da?"

"Wie heißt dein bester Freund und woher kennt ihr euch?"

Temas para diário

Schreibe über eine Person, die du bewunderst. Wie heißt sie und was macht sie besonders?

Was heißt es für dich, erfolgreich zu sein? Definiere Erfolg in deinen eigenen Worten.

Erinnere dich an eine Situation, in der du sagen musstest: 'Was soll das heißen?'. Was ist passiert?

Wie heißt deine Heimatstadt und was sind die drei schönsten Orte dort?

Das heißt, ich werde ab heute... (Vervollständige diesen Satz mit einem Vorsatz für die Zukunft).

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

Yes, absolutely. You can ask 'Wie heißt dieser Berg?' (What is this mountain called?) or 'Wie heißt das auf Deutsch?' for any object. It is the universal way to ask for a name.

This is a fundamental difference between German and English. German asks 'How are you called?' (Wie heißt du?) rather than 'What is your name?'. It's just a linguistic convention you have to memorize.

No, that is incorrect. While 'heißen' has a passive sense, it is used as an active verb. Simply say 'Ich heiße...'.

'Das heißt' is used for clarification or translation (A = B). 'Das bedeutet' is used for the impact or symbolic meaning of something. Example: 'Es regnet, das heißt, wir bleiben hier' (Logic). 'Dein Lächeln bedeutet mir viel' (Emotion).

Yes. 'Ihr heißt' (you all are called) and 'er/sie/es heißt' (he/she/it is called) are identical in the present tense.

The standard abbreviation is 'd. h.' (with a space between the letters). It is very common in German texts, similar to 'i.e.' in English.

Use 'Es heißt' when you want to report something you've heard but don't have a specific source for, like 'Es heißt, das Wetter wird besser'.

In modern German, this is very rare and mostly found in literature. For example, 'Er hieß mich eintreten' (He bade me enter). In daily life, it only means 'to be named' or 'to mean'.

No, they are completely different words. 'Heiß' is an adjective meaning hot. 'Heißt' is a verb form. They sound similar, but the context usually makes the meaning clear.

It literally means 'What is that supposed to mean?'. It's often used when someone is offended or very confused by what another person said.

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