verb
to be called, to mean (in some contexts)
A1
heißen: German verb meaning 'to be called' (name) and 'to mean' in contexts like 'das heißt'. Auxiliary: haben. Mixed/irregular: Präteritum hieß, Perfekt geheißen. Non‑reflexive and not separable. Common in introductions (Wie heißen Sie?) and in expressions meaning 'that is' or 'i.e.' (Das heißt...).
Examples
Dieses Wort heißt auf Englisch 'to be called'.
This word means 'to be called' in English.
Er hieß Peter.
His name was Peter.
Ich habe früher so geheißen.
I used to be called that.
Details
Mnemonics
Imagine someone pointing and saying 'You are called ...' — heißen = to be called
Sounds like English 'hiss' — think of announcing your name with a hiss? (quirky link)
Notes
Common verb used to say someone's name. Perfect with 'haben' (hat geheißen). | Intransitive verb; passive forms are not applicable.