der  Hass

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/has/

💔 What does "der Hass" mean?

Der Hass describes a very strong, deep, and often long-lasting feeling of intense aversion, hostility, or enmity towards a person, group, thing, or idea. It goes far beyond mere Abneigung (dislike) or Ärger (anger) and is one of the strongest negative emotions. Hass (hatred) can be destructive and lead to aggressive behavior.

There is only one article for Hass: der. It is a masculine noun.

🧐 Grammar of "Hass" in Detail

Der Hass is a masculine noun. It is mostly used in the singular. The plural form "die Hasse" exists but is very rare and typically found only in poetic or elevated language.

Declension Singular

Declension Plural - Rare

📝 Example Sentences

1. Sein Hass auf den Verräter war grenzenlos. (His hatred for the traitor was boundless.)
2. Hass vergiftet die Seele. (Hatred poisons the soul.)
3. Sie spürte einen tiefen Hass in sich aufsteigen. (She felt a deep hatred rising within her.)
4. Der Konflikt wurde durch gegenseitigen Hass angeheizt. (The conflict was fueled by mutual hatred.)
5. Aus Liebe kann manchmal Hass werden. (Sometimes love can turn into hatred.)

🗣️ How to use "Hass"?

Der Hass is used to express extremely negative feelings:

• Personal Hatred: Between individuals due to offense, betrayal, or deep-seated conflicts. (e.g., "Er empfindet puren Hass für seinen ehemaligen Freund." - He feels pure hatred for his former friend.)
• Group-Based Hatred: Hatred directed against social, ethnic, religious, or political groups (often ideologically motivated and dangerous). (e.g., "Rassistischer Hass ist ein gesellschaftliches Problem." - Racist hatred is a societal problem.)
• Hatred of Objects or Concepts: Less common, but intense aversion towards certain things or abstract ideas can also be termed "Hass". (e.g., "Sein Hass auf Ungerechtigkeit trieb ihn an." - His hatred of injustice drove him.)

Distinction from similar words:

• Wut/Zorn (Anger/Rage): Often a short-term, intense emotional outburst in response to provocation or injustice. Hass is deeper and more persistent.
• Abneigung (Dislike/Aversion): A milder feeling of not liking or antipathy. Hass is significantly stronger and more hostile.
• Groll (Resentment/Grudge): A resentful displeasure or anger, often simmering beneath the surface. Hass is more active and destructive.

🚨 Caution: The word "Hass" is very strong. Use it only when extreme hostility is genuinely meant.

🧠 Mnemonics for "der Hass"

Article Mnemonic: Think of Hass as a *harsh* (masculine article *der*) feeling. Or imagine a man (*der*) full of rage and *hatred*.

Meaning Mnemonic: Hass sounds a bit like the English word "hiss", the sound often associated with snakes, enemies, or expressions of anger and contempt.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms of Hass

⚠️ Similar but different words:

• Wut (die) (Anger, Fury): Sudden, intense anger.
• Zorn (der) (Wrath, Rage): Strong, often righteous indignation or anger.
• Ärger (der) (Annoyance, Anger): Displeasure, vexation (less intense than Hass).

😂 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Besen so viel Hass auf den Staubsauger?
(Why does the broom have so much hatred for the vacuum cleaner?)

Weil er ihm immer den Dreck wegschnappt!
(Because it always snatches the dirt away from it!)

📜 Poem about Hatred (Hass)

Der Hass, ein eisiger Wind,
(Hatred, an icy wind,) der Herzen kalt und finster sinnt.
(That makes hearts cold and plots darkly.) Er sät nur Zwietracht, Schmerz und Leid,
(It sows only discord, pain, and suffering,) zerstört die Brücken über Zeit.
(Destroys the bridges across time.) Ein dunkler Schatten, schwer und dicht,
(A dark shadow, heavy and dense,) der jede Wärme schnell zerbricht.
(That quickly shatters all warmth.) Drum lass uns wählen Zuneigung,
(Therefore, let us choose affection,) statt kalten Hasses Untergang.
(Instead of cold hatred's demise.)

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bin stärker als Wut, tiefer als Groll,
(I am stronger than anger, deeper than resentment,)(I often make hearts bitter and empty and hollow.)
Ich bin das Gegenteil von dem, was verbindet,
(I am the opposite of that which connects,)
ein dunkles Gefühl, das man selten überwindet.
(A dark feeling that one rarely overcomes.)
Ich bin maskulin, sag, wer bin ich geschwind?
(I am masculine, tell me quickly, who am I?)

Solution: Der Hass (Hatred)

🧩 Other Information

Etymology: The word "Hass" comes from the Old High German word "haz", which also meant enmity or strong aversion.

Related Verb: hassen (to hate something or someone).

Compounds: There are many compound words formed with Hass, e.g., Hassliebe (love-hate relationship), Hassprediger (hate preacher), Selbsthass (self-hatred).