das  Häkchen

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈhɛːkçən/

✔️ What does 'das Häkchen' mean?

Das Häkchen (noun, neuter) refers to a small mark, usually shaped like an upward-opening angle with one longer leg (✓), used to mark something as erledigt (done), geprüft (checked), ausgewählt (selected), or korrekt (correct). It's commonly known in English as a check mark or tick.

It is the diminutive form of der Haken (hook).

• Meaning 1: Marking sign (✓ or ✔), often used on lists, in forms, or in software (*Checkbox*).

🚨 Attention: Although it derives from 'der Haken' (masculine), 'das Häkchen' is always neuter because of the diminutive suffix '-chen'.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of 'das Häkchen' in Detail

The word 'Häkchen' is a neuter noun (*Neutrum*). Like most nouns ending in '-chen', its plural form is the same as the singular form.

Examples to Clarify 'das Häkchen'

1. Bitte setze ein Häkchen neben die Aufgaben, die du erledigt hast.
   (Please put a check mark next to the tasks you have completed.)
2. Ich habe alle Punkte auf der Liste mit einem Häkchen versehen.
   (I marked all items on the list with a tick.)
3. In der Software musst du das Häkchen bei 'AGB akzeptieren' setzen.
   (In the software, you have to set the check mark for 'Accept T&Cs'.)
4. Die Lehrerin machte viele kleine grüne Häkchen auf mein Arbeitsblatt.
   (The teacher put many small green ticks on my worksheet.)

✍️ Everyday Usage

'Das Häkchen' is used very frequently, especially in:

• Checklisten (Checklists): To tick off completed items (e.g., *Einkaufslisten* - shopping lists, *To-Do-Listen* - to-do lists).
• Formulare (Forms): To select options or signal agreement.
• Software & Websites: As a 'Checkbox' to enable or disable settings.
• Korrekturen (Corrections): Teachers often use it to mark correct answers.

Figuratively, 'ein Häkchen hinter etwas machen' can also mean to mentally consider something finished or dealt with.

Comparison: A Kreuzchen (X - a small cross) is often used for marking, but sometimes also indicates errors, whereas the *Häkchen* (✓) usually has a positive connotation (done, correct, selected).

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Here are a few tips to help you remember 'das Häkchen':

Article Mnemonic: Words ending in '-chen' (diminutive suffix) are almost always neuter (*sächlich*). Think of: Das Mädchen (the girl), das Brötchen (the bread roll), das Häkchen. It's small and cute, so it needs das!

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine you are 'hooking' something off a list with a tiny 'hook'. The symbol ✓ looks a bit like a tiny hook – a *Haken* + *chen* = *Häkchen*!

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

Similar Words:

• Der Haken: The larger object from which 'Häkchen' is derived (e.g., coat hook, fish hook). Also means: a catch, a snag, a problem ('Die Sache hat einen Haken' - There's a catch).

😂 A Little Joke

Warum sind To-Do-Listen so motivierend?
(Why are to-do lists so motivating?)

Weil man bei jedem Häkchen denkt: 'Yes, wieder ein Haken dran!' 😉
(Because with every check mark, you think: 'Yes, another hook/check on it!' - *This is a pun, as 'einen Haken dran machen' means 'to tick it off/consider it done', and 'Haken' also means hook/catch.*)

📜 A Poem About the Check Mark

Auf Papier, ganz fein und klein,
(On paper, so fine and small,)
setz' ich dich, du Häkchen, ein.
(I place you, little check mark.)
✓ Erledigt, ✓ Ja, ✓ Geschafft!
(✓ Done, ✓ Yes, ✓ Accomplished!)
Du gibst mir Ordnung, gibst mir Kraft.
(You give me order, give me strength.)
Ein kleiner Haken, schnell gemacht,
(A little hook, quickly made,)
hat wieder Klarheit mir gebracht.
(has brought clarity to me again.)

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bin kein Haken, doch verwandt,
(I'm no hook, yet related,)
markiere Dinge, wohlbekannt.
(I mark things, well-known.)
Auf Listen zeig' ich, was getan,
(On lists, I show what's been done,)
auf Formularen fang' ich an.
(On forms, I begin.)
Mit mir wird oft 'ok' gesagt,
(With me, 'ok' is often said,)
wenn man die Box mit mir bejagt.
(When the box is hunted with me. [i.e., when you tick the box])

Was bin ich?
(What am I?)

Lösung: Das Häkchen
(Solution: The check mark/tick)

💡 Other Information

Word Formation (Wortbildung):

The word 'Häkchen' is a diminutive (*Verkleinerungsform*). It is formed from:

• Base word: der Haken (the hook)
• Suffix: -chen (makes the noun neuter and diminutive)
• Umlaut: a → ä (Haken → Häkchen)

Cultural Note:

Setting check marks (*Häkchen setzen*) often symbolizes efficiency and completing tasks, which is frequently valued positively in German culture.