Kopf
/kɔpf/masculine
The English word 'head' is translated into German as Kopf. Wiktionary also lists Haupt and Chopf.
Meaning: part of the body (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Kopf | /kɔpf/ | masculine |
| Haupt | /haʊ̯pt/ | neuter, rare |
| Chopf | Alemannic German, masculine | |
| Näggel | Alemannic German, masculine |
The primary way to refer to the part of the body is Kopf. In the context of fishing, the verb köpfen or the phrase den Kopf entfernen can be used to mean removing the head from a fish. You can also use the prefixes Kopf- or Haupt- to form adjectives that relate to the head.
Which one should you use?
Kopf is the standard term for head. Haupt is a dated or poetic form used primarily in literature or within specific compound words.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Alemannic German dialects, you may encounter the forms Chopf or Näggel.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of Kopf is Köpfe.
How do you pronounce it?
/kɔpf/
Did you know?
- The German word Kopf originally meant 'drinking vessel' or 'mug'.
- In German, having a Kopfkino refers to the 'head cinema' of imagining vivid scenarios or daydreaming.
- German speakers use the phrase Kopf hoch to tell someone to cheer up or keep their chin up.
Examples in context
- Sie hob den Kopf.She lifted her head.This sentence demonstrates the use of Kopf for lifting the head.Tatoeba #11255932 by Yorwba, translation #11327729 by sundown
- Er neigte den Kopf.He bowed his head.This sentence demonstrates the use of Kopf for bowing the head.Tatoeba #2309277 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2266091 by _undertoad
- Er hob seinen Kopf.He lifted his head.Tatoeba #2780235 by al_ex_an_der, translation #11866956 by sundown
- Die Hand liegt auf dem KopfThe hand is on the head
- Das hat mich voll aufs Haupt getroffenThat hit me right on the head
- Ich habe KopfschmerzenI have a headache
- Er schüttelte den Kopf, um seine Ablehnung auszudrückenHe shook his head to express his disapproval
- Ihre Idee ist eine wahre Kopfnuss!Your idea is a real head-scratcher!
- 528 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Maximilian are talking about a headache.
- SarahHast du heute auch Kopfschmerzen?Do you also have a headache today?
- MaximilianJa, mein Kopf tut sehr weh.Yes, my head hurts a lot.
- SarahLeg deinen Kopf auf das Kissen.Put your head on the pillow.
- MaximilianDanke, das hilft mir wirklich.Thanks, that really helps me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “head” translations and entries Kopf, Haupt, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Haupt, Kopf, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
