Hass empfinden

/has ɛmˈp͡fɪndn̩/
to feel hatred

Er empfindet tiefen Hass gegenüber seinen Feinden.

He feels deep hatred toward his enemies.


neutral

To experience a strong feeling of intense dislike or hostility toward someone or something.

Sie empfindet Hass gegen die Ungerechtigkeit in der Welt.

She feels hatred toward the injustice in the world.

Sein Hass auf die Regierung wuchs täglich.

His hatred of the government grew daily.

Commonly used in both personal and societal contexts. Often implies a sustained, strong emotion rather than a momentary reaction.

Related Phrases

Hass verbreitenphrase
to spread hatred
von Hass erfüllt seinphrase
to be filled with hatred

Pro Tip

Common prepositions with 'Hass'

In German, 'Hass' is often followed by 'auf' when expressing hatred toward a person or thing (e.g., 'Hass auf die Regierung'). It can also be followed by 'gegen' (e.g., 'Hass gegen die Ungerechtigkeit') or 'für' in rare cases (e.g., 'Hass für die Lüge').

Gold Rule

Literal vs. figurative use

'Hass empfinden' is always used literally to describe the emotion of hatred. It does not have idiomatic or metaphorical meanings.

Word Origin

The phrase combines 'Hass' (hatred, from Old High German 'hazz' meaning 'violent dislike') and 'empfinden' (to feel, from Old High German 'intfindan' meaning 'to perceive'). The verb 'empfinden' is a compound of 'emp-' (a prefix indicating perception) and 'finden' (to find). The phrase has been used in German since at least the 18th century.

Usage Notes

This phrase is straightforward and literal; it does not carry idiomatic meaning. It is used in both formal and informal contexts, though the emotion described is strong and often negative. In German, 'Hass' is a noun that can be used independently, but 'Hass empfinden' emphasizes the act of experiencing the emotion.

Word Breakdown

Hass
hatred
noun
+
empfinden
to feel, to experience (emotion)
verb
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