der  Hohn

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/hoːn/

🧐 What Exactly Does "der Hohn" Mean?

Der Hohn refers to a form of biting scorn, mockery, or deep contempt, often expressed openly and hurtfully. It's an expression that signals disdain or superiority towards someone or something. Hohn can be conveyed through words, facial expressions (e.g., a hohnisches Lächeln - a scornful smile), or gestures.

It is frequently used in the phrase "Hohn und Spott" (scorn and mockery) to emphasize the intensity of the derision.

⚠️ Note: Hohn has strong negative connotations and aims to belittle or ridicule someone.

📝 Grammar of "Hohn" in Detail

The noun "Hohn" is masculine (maskulin). It is typically used only in the singular (nur im Singular) as it is an abstract noun. The plural ("die Hohne") is very uncommon and practically never used.

Declension Singular

Note: In the genitive and dative singular, both forms (-s/-es and -/-e respectively) are often possible, although the shorter form (-s and -) is more common.

Example Sentences (Beispielsätze)

1. Sein Vorschlag wurde mit Hohn und Spott quittiert.
   (His proposal was met with scorn and mockery.)
2. Sie ertrug seinen Hohn mit stoischer Ruhe.
   (She endured his scorn with stoic calm.)
3. Ein Lächeln voller Hohn lag auf seinen Lippen.
   (A smile full of scorn was on his lips.)
4. Das ist doch der reinste Hohn!
   (That's utter mockery! / That's a complete travesty!)

🗣️ When to Use "Hohn"?

"Hohn" is used to express a particularly sharp and contemptuous form of mockery. It often implies a certain condescension or malicious pleasure (Schadenfreude).

• Typical Contexts: In arguments, during criticism, as a reaction to something perceived as ridiculous or pathetic, in literary descriptions of negative emotions.
• Distinction from similar terms:
  • Spott (mockery): Often more general and sometimes less malicious than Hohn. "Hohn und Spott" is a fixed phrase combining both.
  • Sarkasmus (sarcasm): Biting mockery that often means the opposite of what is said, intended to hurt. Hohn can be sarcastic, but doesn't have to be.
  • Ironie (irony): Often says the opposite of what is meant, but not necessarily with hurtful intent. Can also be humorous.
• Fixed Expressions (Feste Wendungen): "Hohn und Spott ernten" (to reap scorn and mockery), "jemanden mit Hohn überschütten" (to shower someone with scorn), "etwas Hohn sprechen" (e.g., "Das spricht jeder Beschreibung Hohn." - That beggars all description / That's incredibly absurd).

💡 Mnemonics for "der Hohn"

Article Mnemonic: Think of 'der' man laughing full of scorn ('Hohn'). The 'r' sound connects der (masculine) and scorn.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine someone yelling "Oh Hohno!" with a really scornful tone when seeing something pathetic. It sounds a bit like Hohn and captures the feeling of derision.

↔️ Opposites and Similar Words

⚠️ Potential for Confusion:

Sometimes Hohn might be confused with simple Ironie (irony) or Neckerei (teasing). However, Hohn is distinctly more negative and intended to hurt.

😄 A Little Joke

Lehrer: "Was ist schlimmer als Hohn und Spott?"
Schüler: "Hagel und Blitz?"
Lehrer: "Nein, wenn man merkt, dass der Hohn berechtigt war."

Teacher: "What's worse than scorn and mockery?"
Student: "Hail and lightning?"
Teacher: "No, realizing the scorn was justified."

📜 Poem about Scorn

Der Hohn

Ein Lächeln, kalt und scharf wie Eis,
zeigt der Hohn auf seine Weis'.
Er trifft ins Herz mit spitzer Zunge,
verletzt den Alten und den Jungen.
Doch wer ihn sät, so sagt man leis,
erntet selbst oft bitt'ren Preis.

Scorn

A smile, as cold and sharp as ice,
shows scorn upon its own advice.
It strikes the heart with pointed tongue,
hurting the old and also young.
But who sows it, it's softly said,
often reaps a bitter stead.

🧩 Little Riddle

Ich trage keinen Hut, doch bin oft im Gesicht zu sehen.
Ich spreche keine Worte, doch kann tief verletzen und weh tun.
Ich bin ein bitterer Bruder des Lachens.
Was bin ich?

I wear no hat, yet am often seen on the face.
I speak no words, yet can deeply hurt and cause pain.
I am a bitter brother of laughter.
What am I?

Solution: Der Hohn (Scorn)

✨ Other Information

Word Components & Origin:

The word "Hohn" comes from the Old High German "hōna" (disgrace, shame). It is related to the English word "hone" (whetstone), perhaps alluding to the 'sharpness' of the mockery, though the direct connection is unclear.

Interesting Phrases:

• Hohnlächeln: (A scornful smile) A smile expressing Hohn.
• Hohngelächter: (Scornful laughter) Loud, contemptuous laughter.
• "Das ist blanker Hohn!": ("That's pure mockery!" or "That's an outrage!") An expression of strong indignation about an injustice or absurdity.