birne: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral, but with some informal, slang extensions.
Quick answer
What does “birne” mean?
The German word for 'pear', referring to both the fruit and its shape.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The German word for 'pear', referring to both the fruit and its shape.
In German slang and informal contexts, can be used to mean 'head' or 'noggin'. In Austrian German (Viennese dialect), it can also be a humorous/colloquial term for 'light bulb'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
This is not an English word. The English equivalent is 'pear'. There are no regional distinctions for this German term itself.
Connotations
N/A for English contexts. In German, as slang for 'head', it has a slightly old-fashioned, folksy, or humorous connotation.
Frequency
N/A in English. In German, as a fruit term, it is high-frequency; its slang uses are lower-frequency.
Grammar
How to Use “birne” in a Sentence
etwas hat die Form einer Birnejemandem auf die Birne haueneine Birne essenVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Botanical contexts in German (Pyrus communis).
Everyday
Common for discussing fruit, cooking, or informal references to the head.
Technical
In electrical contexts in Austria/Vienna, refers informally to a light bulb.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “birne”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “birne”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “birne”
- Using 'Birne' in formal German to mean 'head'.
- Assuming it's a standard term for 'light bulb' outside of specific dialects (standard is 'Glühbirne' or 'Lampe').
- Trying to use 'Birne' in English.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Nein, 'Birne' ist ein deutsches Wort. Das englische Äquivalent ist 'pear'.
Nein, die Verwendung von 'Birne' für 'Kopf' ist umgangssprachlich und oft humorvoll. Im formellen Kontext verwendet man 'Kopf' oder 'Schädel'.
Diese verkürzte Verwendung ist besonders im Wiener bzw. österreichischen Deutsch geläufig. Im standarddeutschen Hochdeutsch sagt man 'Glühbirne' oder 'Lampe'.
Ja, ähnliche metaphorische Konzepte existieren. Im Englischen kann 'nut', 'melon', oder 'pumpkin' (letzteres oft liebevoll) für den Kopf verwendet werden.
The German word for 'pear', referring to both the fruit and its shape.
Birne is usually neutral, but with some informal, slang extensions. in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “nicht alle Birnen im Kopf haben (=to be a bit crazy)”
- “jemandem auf die Birne hauen/greifen (=to hit someone on the head)”
- “eine reife Birne sein (=to be a clever person, but also can mean 'to be crazy')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a bulbous light bulb (a 'pear-shaped' bulb) or your head as a pear sitting on your shoulders.
Conceptual Metaphor
HEAD/SKULL IS A FRUIT (specifically a pear).
Practice
Quiz
Was ist die STANDARDHOCHDEUTSCHE Bedeutung von 'Birne'?