Gehirn
/ɡəˈhɪʁn/neuter
The German word for brain is Gehirn. Wiktionary also lists Hirn.
Meaning: organ (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Gehirn | /ɡəˈhɪʁn/ | neuter |
| Hirn | /hɪʁn/ | neuter |
The term refers to the biological organ of the body.
Which one should you use?
Gehirn is the standard term used in medical, scientific or formal contexts, whereas Hirn is a shorter alternative form.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of Gehirn is Gehirne, and the genitive singular form is Gehirns. Both forms are neuter nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡəˈhɪʁn/
Did you know?
- The compound word Hirnschmalz literally translates to 'brain grease' but is used to describe someone's natural wit or intellectual agility.
- The prefix ge- in Gehirn is a collective marker, which historically suggested the brain was a collection of parts or a complex system.
- While English uses 'brain' for both the organ and intelligence, German separates the biological Gehirn from the mental capacity known as Verstand.
Examples in context
- Mir tut das Hirn weh.My brain hurts.This sentence shows how to express that your Hirn hurts.Tatoeba #3063237 by pullnosemans, translation #813322 by New_Tat_User
- Streng dein Gehirn an.Use your brain.This sentence uses Gehirn to suggest using one's mental faculties.Tatoeba #12590212 by Naina, translation #2253841 by CK
- Schalte dein Gehirn aus!Turn your brain off.This sentence uses Gehirn in the context of turning off one's thoughts.Tatoeba #9196767 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #7274371 by Hybrid
- Die Funktion des Gehirns ist komplexThe function of the brain is complex
- Die Theorie wurde in den Köpfen der Wissenschaftler konzipiertThe theory was conceived in the minds of the scientists
- Hast du deine Birne angestrengt?Have you been using your brain?
- Hey, benutz endlich deine Birne!Hey, finally use your brain!
- Schalt dein Kasterl ein!Turn on your brain!
- Die Forscher untersuchen die Auswirkungen von Schlafmangel auf das GehirnThe researchers are investigating the effects of sleep deprivation on the brain
- 136 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Julia are looking at a biology textbook.
- LukasDas Gehirn ist ein komplexes Organ.The brain is a complex organ.
- JuliaStimmt, das Gehirn steuert den Körper.True, the brain controls the body.
- LukasWie funktioniert das Gehirn genau?How exactly does the brain work?
- JuliaDas ist eine sehr schwierige Frage.That is a very difficult question.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “brain” translations and entries Gehirn, Hirn, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
