der
Ellbogen
🦴 What does "der Ellbogen" mean?
The German word der Ellbogen (also spelled Ellenbogen) refers to the elbow, the joint connecting the upper arm bone (Humerus) with the forearm bones (Elle/Ulna and Speiche/Radius). It allows the arm to bend and straighten, as well as rotational movements of the forearm.
Figuratively, the term "Ellbogen" is also used to describe ruthless or selfish behavior, where one literally uses their elbows to push through (see Usage section).
This noun only uses the masculine article der.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-en → mostly masculine.
1. All diminutives with '-chen' are neutral, like 'das Mädchen'. 2. Nouns derived from verbs are always neutral ('das Schrieben'). 3. There are many -en words, we won't list them all.
📊 Grammar in Detail: Der Ellbogen
The noun „Ellbogen“ is masculine. Here are the declension tables:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Ellbogen |
| Genitive | des | Ellbogens |
| Dative | dem | Ellbogen |
| Accusative | den | Ellbogen |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Ellbogen |
| Genitive | der | Ellbogen |
| Dative | den | Ellbogen |
| Accusative | die | Ellbogen |
Example Sentences
🤔 How to use "Ellbogen"?
The term „Ellbogen“ is mainly used in an anatomical context.
- Anatomy: Describing the joint between the upper arm and forearm. Example: Der Arzt untersuchte meinen schmerzenden Ellbogen. (The doctor examined my painful elbow.)
- Figurative Meaning (Idioms): Often associated with ruthlessness.
- Ellbogenmentalität / Ellbogengesellschaft: Describes a society or attitude where everyone is only concerned with their own advantage and acts ruthlessly. Example: In dieser Firma herrscht leider eine starke Ellbogenmentalität. (Unfortunately, there's a strong dog-eat-dog mentality in this company. Lit. 'elbow mentality')
- Die Ellbogen gebrauchen/einsetzen: To act ruthlessly, push others aside. Example: Um in dieser Branche erfolgreich zu sein, muss man manchmal die Ellbogen gebrauchen. (To be successful in this industry, you sometimes have to use your elbows.)
- Jemandem eins auf den Ellbogen geben: To give someone a nudge with the elbow (often playfully or friendly), e.g., to get their attention.
💡 How to Remember "der Ellbogen"
Article Mnemonic: Think of a strong man (masculine, der) forcefully elbowing his way through. DER man uses DEN Ellbogen.
Meaning Mnemonic: The Ell-bogen is the 'bogen' (bend, arch) in the arm formed by the 'Elle' (ulna bone).
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (Partial)
- Ellenbeuge: Refers more specifically to the inner crook of the elbow.
- Armbeuge: A more general term for the bend in the arm.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for body parts. One could contrast it with other joints:
- Knie (knee - on the leg)
- Schultergelenk (shoulder joint)
- Handgelenk (wrist)
Potential Confusion
- Elle: One of the two forearm bones (ulna). The Ellbogen is the joint, the Elle is a bone.
😄 A Little Joke
Warum hat der Skelett-Komiker keinen Erfolg?
Er hat keinen Ellbogen für den richtigen Punch(line)!
(Why is the skeleton comedian unsuccessful?
He doesn't have the elbow for the right punch(line)!)
📜 Poem about the Ellbogen
Der Ellbogen, ein Gelenk so stark,
Verbindet Arme, Tag für Tag.
Mal sanft gestützt, mal rau im Drängen,
Kann beugen, strecken, sich verengen.
Pass auf ihn auf, stoß ihn nicht an,
Denn Schmerz am Ellbogen ist kein Wahn!
(The elbow, a joint so strong,
Connects arms, day by day along.
Sometimes gently propped, sometimes rough in the push,
Can bend, can straighten, in a rush.
Take care of it, don't bump it, friend,
For elbow pain is not pretend!)
❓ Riddle Time
Ich bin ein Gelenk, doch nicht am Bein,
Ich helfe dir, den Arm zu beugen, fein.
Manchmal nutz' ich Kraft ganz ungeniert,
Damit dein Weg wird freigeräumt, fixiert.
Was bin ich?
(I am a joint, but not on the leg,
I help you bend your arm, I beg.
Sometimes I use force without any shame,
So that your path is cleared, that's the game.
What am I?)
(Answer: der Ellbogen / the elbow)
🤓 More about Ellbogen
Word Composition: The word „Ellbogen“ is composed of:
- Elle: The name of one of the two forearm bones (Ulna). Originally, „Elle“ also referred to a unit of length, often corresponding to the length of the forearm.
- Bogen: Meaning 'arch' or 'bend', referring to the curved shape of the joint.
Trivia: The ulnar nerve runs relatively unprotected on the inside of the elbow. A blow to this spot (often called the 'funny bone' in English, or „Musikantenknochen“ / „Musikknochen“ in German) can cause an unpleasant, tingling or 'electric' pain.
Summary: is it der, die or das Ellbogen?
The word „Ellbogen“ is always masculine. The correct form is: der Ellbogen. The plural is „die Ellbogen“.