heiss: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical / Historical / Specialized
Quick answer
What does “heiss” mean?
A German adjective/adverb meaning 'hot'. In modern English, it only exists in non-naturalized loan phrases (e.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A German adjective/adverb meaning 'hot'. In modern English, it only exists in non-naturalized loan phrases (e.g., 'heiss laufen') or as a German term, often in technical/military contexts or names.
In English usage, typically only recognized in specific loaned phrases, particularly in engineering ('heiss laufen' for a turbine overheating), historical/military contexts (referring to the German word), or in proper names (e.g., brand names).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference. Usage is confined to identical specialized fields in both varieties.
Connotations
Technical precision when using the German term; otherwise, it simply denotes the German language word for 'hot'.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both. Possibly slightly higher in American engineering contexts due to German automotive/aerospace influence.
Grammar
How to Use “heiss” in a Sentence
Used attributively in noun phrases: 'the heiss laufen condition'Used as a foreign term in quotes: 'known as "heiss" in German'Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “heiss” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The turbine began to heiss laufen, triggering the alarms.
American English
- If the bearings heiss laufen, you risk a catastrophic failure.
adjective
British English
- The mechanic diagnosed a heiss laufen condition in the journal bearing.
American English
- They discussed the 'heiss' side of the thermal cycle.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
May appear in historical, linguistic, or engineering papers discussing German terms or specific technical phenomena.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Primary context. In mechanical/automotive engineering, 'heiss laufen' describes a dangerous overheating condition in bearings or turbines.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “heiss”
- Using 'heiss' in general English sentences (e.g., 'The water is heiss').
- Pronouncing it as /heɪs/ or /hi:s/.
- Assuming it has an English plural or comparative form.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'heiss' is a German word. It appears in English only as a loanword in specific fixed phrases or technical jargon.
It is typically pronounced /haɪs/, approximating the German pronunciation, as it is treated as a foreign term.
It is a technical term borrowed from German, meaning 'to run hot' or 'to overheat', often referring to mechanical components like bearings or turbines.
No, this would be incorrect. You must use the English word 'hot'. Using 'heiss' would be seen as a mistake or an attempt to use German.
A German adjective/adverb meaning 'hot'. In modern English, it only exists in non-naturalized loan phrases (e.
Heiss is usually technical / historical / specialized in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “heiss laufen (to run hot/overheat)”
- “heiss und fettig (slang, not common in English)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'hiss' from a hot pipe; 'heiss' is the German word for the heat causing the hiss.
Conceptual Metaphor
HEAT IS INTENSITY (in the borrowed technical phrase 'heiss laufen', it metaphorically indicates an intense, dangerous operational state).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'heiss' most likely to be found in English?