adjective
deaf, numb
B1
'taub' means 'deaf' or 'numb'. It's an adjective describing complete loss of hearing or lack of sensation (e.g. a numb limb). According to metadata it is not gradable. Not a participle. Common collocation: 'taub sein' to indicate deafness. Can be used medically and figuratively.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.EXAMPLES
Er ist taub und braucht ein Hörgerät.
He is deaf and needs a hearing aid.
Nach dem langen Sitzen sind mir die Füße taub.
After sitting for a long time, my feet are numb.
Der Musiker blieb taub, nachdem er jahrelang ohne Gehörschutz gearbeitet hatte.
The musician remained deaf after he had worked for years without hearing protection.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.DETAILS_LABEL
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.MNEMONICS
Picture an ear with a big cotton ball blocking it (no sound) for 'deaf'; for 'numb' imagine a foot asleep with pins-and-needles.
Sounds a bit like 'tub' — imagine muffled sounds as if you're underwater in a tub.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.NOTES
Can mean 'deaf' (hearing loss) or 'numb' (loss of sensation). Context determines the meaning.