das  Kinn

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/kɪn/

🧍 What does 'das Kinn' mean?

Das Kinn (noun, neuter) refers to the chin, the lowermost, foremost part of the human face, below the mouth. It is formed by the anterior part of the lower jawbone (Unterkieferknochen).

There is only this one meaning and the article das for this word. There are no common pitfalls, except confusing it with similar-sounding words.

📖 Grammar of 'das Kinn' in Detail

'Kinn' is a noun of neuter gender (Neutrum). It is declined as follows:

Example Sentences

• Er stützte nachdenklich sein Kinn in die Hand. (He thoughtfully rested his chin in his hand.)
• Sie hat ein markantes Kinn. (She has a prominent chin.)
• Beim Boxen muss man sein Kinn schützen. (In boxing, you have to protect your chin.)
• Die Katze rieb ihr Kinn an meinem Bein. (The cat rubbed its chin against my leg.)

🗣️ How to use 'das Kinn'?

'Das Kinn' is primarily used to describe the specific body part. It also appears in some idioms (Redewendungen):

• Ein Doppelkinn haben: To have a double chin (an extra fold of skin beneath the chin, often associated with being overweight).
• Das Kinn reiben/streicheln: To rub/stroke one's chin (a gesture often expressing thoughtfulness or uncertainty).
• Einen Haken ans Kinn bekommen: To get a hook to the chin (in boxing); figuratively: to suffer a defeat or setback.
• Sich am Kinn kratzen: To scratch one's chin (also often a sign of thinking or doubt).

Compared to 'Unterkiefer' (lower jaw), 'Kinn' specifically refers to the externally visible, foremost part.

💡 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Mnemonic: Imagine das K(l)ind (the child) pointing to its chin (Kinn). 'Das Kind' helps you remember 'das Kinn'. Neutrum nouns often end in -chen or -lein, but 'Kinn' is an exception you just have to learn with 'das'. Think of 'das Kind hat ein Kinn'.

Meaning Mnemonic: Your chin is KINd of pointy. Or: When you're thinkin' hard, you might rest your hand on your Kinn.

↔️ Synonyms and Antonyms

Similar but different words:

• Wange (die): Cheek (the side part of the face, next to the nose and mouth).
• Kiefer (der): Jaw (the bone that holds the teeth - upper jaw (Oberkiefer) and lower jaw (Unterkiefer)). The 'Kinn' is just the frontmost part of the 'Unterkiefer'.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum tragen Skelette keinen Bart?
Weil sie kein Kinn dafür haben, nur Knochen!

(Why don't skeletons have beards?
Because they don't have a chin for it, only bones!)

✒️ Poem about the Chin

Das Kinn, ganz unten im Gesicht,
ob spitz, ob rund, ein Anker schlicht.
Es trägt das Lächeln, hält den Mund,
erzählt vom Leben, Stund um Stund.
Mal stolz gereckt, mal tief gesenkt,
hat schon manchen Denker abgelenkt.

(The chin, right down on the face,
whether pointed or round, a simple base.
It carries the smile, holds the mouth tight,
tells of life, hour by hour, day and night.
Sometimes proudly raised, sometimes lowered deep,
has distracted many thinkers from their sleep.)

❓ Little Riddle

Ich bin am tiefsten Punkt im Gesicht zu finden,
unter dem Mund, kann man mich anbinden?
Nein, aber beim Denken stützt man sich gern auf mich.
Was bin ich?

(I am found at the lowest point of the face,
below the mouth, can you tie me in place?
No, but when thinking, people like to rest on me.
What am I?)

Solution: Das Kinn (The chin)

🧐 Other Information

Word Composition: 'Kinn' is a simple noun, not a compound word.

Interesting Facts:

• A 'Grübchen im Kinn' (dimple in the chin or cleft chin) is a small indentation caused by a peculiarity of the chin muscle or jawbone, often considered an attractive feature.
• In many cultures, a prominent chin (markantes Kinn) in men is considered a sign of strength or assertiveness.