das
Genick
🧠 What does 'das Genick' mean?
The word das Genick (noun, neuter) primarily means the nape of the neck, the back part of the neck connecting the head to the torso. It's a more specific term than der Hals (the neck/throat).
⚠️ Be careful: *'Genick'* is often used in fixed idioms (*Redewendungen*) that have a figurative meaning, often relating to danger, failure, or even death (e.g., "jemandem das Genick brechen" - to break someone's neck, meaning to ruin someone/something).
Article rules for der, die, and das
Ge- → mostly neutral.
Nouns beginning with Ge- are usually neutral, unless other rules apply. We do not list all Ge nouns.
🧐 Grammar Deep Dive: Das Genick
*'Genick'* is a neuter noun. The article is 'das'.
Declension Singular (Einzahl)
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | das | Genick |
| Genitive | des | Genicks / Genickes |
| Dative | dem | Genick / Genicke |
| Accusative | das | Genick |
Declension Plural (Mehrzahl)
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Genicke |
| Genitive | der | Genicke |
| Dative | den | Genicken |
| Accusative | die | Genicke |
📝 Example Sentences
- Er rieb sich schmerzhaft das Genick.
He painfully rubbed the nape of his neck. - Ein kalter Schauer lief ihr über das Genick.
A cold shiver ran down the nape of her neck. - Die riskante Investition hat ihm das Genick gebrochen.
The risky investment ruined him. (Idiom: literally 'broke his neck') - Sei vorsichtig, sonst brichst du dir das Genick!
Be careful, otherwise you'll break your neck! (Literal or figurative)
💡 How to use 'Genick'?
The use of das Genick falls into two main categories:
- Anatomical: Directly referring to the nape of the neck. Example: "Er hat Schmerzen im Genick." (He has pain in his nape.)
- Idiomatic: In fixed expressions (*feste Wendungen*) with figurative meanings, often with negative connotations:
- Jemandem/etwas das Genick brechen: To ruin someone or something, cause failure. ("Der Skandal brach dem Politiker das Genick." - The scandal ruined the politician.)
- Sich das Genick brechen: To have a serious accident (literal) or to fail (figurative).
- Das Genick riskieren: To risk one's neck, take a big risk. ("Für diese waghalsige Aktion riskierte er sein Genick." - He risked his neck for this daring action.)
- Jemandem im Genick sitzen: To pressure someone, be breathing down someone's neck. ("Die Gläubiger sitzen ihm im Genick." - The creditors are breathing down his neck.)
Compared to *der Nacken* (nape/neck), *das Genick* is often more specific and more commonly used in these idioms. *Der Hals* refers to the entire neck area, including the front (throat).
🗝️ Mnemonics to Remember
Article Mnemonic: Think of das Skelett (the skeleton). Das Skelett needs das Genick to hold up the head. Both are 'das'.
Meaning Mnemonic: Where does your neck make a 'nick' sound (or bend) when you nod? In your Genick!
🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning)
- der Nacken: The most common synonym for the back of the neck.
- das Hinterhaupt: Refers more to the back of the head (occiput), but can be used overlappingly.
Antonyms (Opposite Meaning)
- There's no direct antonym. Possible opposites relate to other body parts:
- der Hals (Vorderseite) / die Kehle: (front of the) neck / throat
- die Brust: chest
Potential Confusion?
Der Hals: This means 'neck' or 'throat' and encompasses the entire area between head and torso, front and back. *Das Genick* specifically refers to the back part (nape).
😂 A Little Joke
Fragt der Arzt den Patienten: "Haben Sie öfter Schmerzen im Genick?"
Patient: "Nur wenn ich den Kopf schüttele, um 'Nein' zu sagen, wenn meine Frau mich bittet, den Müll rauszubringen!"
Translation:
The doctor asks the patient: "Do you often have pain in the nape of your neck?"
Patient: "Only when I shake my head 'No' when my wife asks me to take out the trash!"
📜 A Short Poem
Das Genick, so stark und doch fragil,
trägt den Kopf mit ernstem Spiel.
Ein falscher Knick, ein harter Schlag,
verändert jäh den hellen Tag.
Drum halt es warm und sei bedacht,
gib auf dein zartes Genick gut Acht.
Translation:
The nape, so strong and yet fragile,
Carries the head with a serious game.
A wrong bend, a hard blow,
Suddenly changes the bright day.
So keep it warm and be mindful,
Take good care of your delicate nape.
🧩 Little Riddle
Ich sitze hinten an deinem Hals,
verbinde Kopf und Rumpf ebenfalls.
Man kann mich recken, man kann mich beugen,
und Redensarten von mir zeugen.
Brichst du mich, ist's oft das Ende,
sei es im Spiel oder Gelände.
Was bin ich?
... Das Genick
Translation:
I sit at the back of your neck,
Connecting head and torso likewise.
You can stretch me, you can bend me,
And idioms bear witness of me.
If you break me, it's often the end,
Be it in sport or terrain.
What am I?
... The nape of the neck (*das Genick*)
🧐 More Tidbits
Etymology: The word 'Genick' comes from Middle High German 'genicke', which is related to the verb 'nicken' (to nod). So, it originally described the part of the neck that allows nodding.
Medical Relevance: Injuries to the *Genick*, especially the cervical spine (*Halswirbelsäule*), can be extremely dangerous and lead to severe paralysis. Protecting the nape is therefore crucial in many sports (e.g., motorsports, American football).
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Genick?
The word "Genick" is neuter, so the correct article is das Genick. It refers to the nape of the neck and is frequently used in idioms expressing danger or failure.