mein Name ist Hase

Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word mein Name ist Hase. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word mein Name ist Hase, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say mein Name ist Hase in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word mein Name ist Hase you have here. The definition of the word mein Name ist Hase will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition ofmein Name ist Hase, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.

German

Etymology

Literally, my name is Hase, but often reinterpreted as “My name is hare”. because the underlying anecdote is not generally known. In 1854, Heidelberg student Victor von Hase gave his ID card to a fellow student, so the latter could flee to France; when the ID was later found, Hase was questioned by the university, and he replied: Mein Name ist Hase, ich verneine die Generalfragen, ich weiß von nichts. (My name is Hase, I say no to the general questions, I know of nothing.) His categorical denial became popular.[1]

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /maɪ̯n ˈnaːmə ɪst ˈhaːzə/
  • Audio:(file)

Phrase

mein Name ist Hase

  1. (idiomatic) I know (of) nothing; I am not involved
    • 1997 November 26, Joschka Fischer, “Haushaltsberatungen”, in parliamentary debates (Deutscher Bundestag)‎:
      Entschuldigen Sie, ich heiße nicht Guido Westerwelle, der sich hier hinstellt und sagt: Mein Name ist Hase, ich habe lange Ohren und ansonsten damit nichts zu tun, auch wenn wir 26 Jahre regieren!
      (please add an English translation of this quotation)

Usage notes

  • Often used in the fuller form mein Name ist Hase, ich weiß von nichts. Compare the original quote above.

Descendants

  • Dutch: mijn naam is haas (calque)

References

  1. ^ Christoph Gutknecht, Von Treppenwitz bis Sauregurkenzeit: Die verrücktesten Wörter im Deutschen (C.H. Beck oHG, München 2008, →ISBN), page 14