mein Name ist Hase
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German
[edit]Etymology
[edit]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
[edit]Phrase
[edit]- (idiomatic) I know (of) nothing; I am not involved
- 1997 November 26, Joschka Fischer, “Haushaltsberatungen”, in parliamentary debates (Deutscher Bundestag)[1]:
- 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
[edit]- Often used in the fuller form mein Name ist Hase, ich weiß von nichts. Compare the original quote above.
Descendants
[edit]- → Dutch: mijn naam is haas (calque)