der  Linksfuß

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈlɪŋksfʊs/

🦶 What exactly is a 'Linksfuß'?

The term der Linksfuß refers to a person who preferentially uses their left foot, especially in activities requiring skill or power, such as in sports (particularly football ⚽).

It's the direct counterpart to the Rechtsfuß, the person who prefers the right foot. The vast majority of people are 'Rechtsfüßer' (right-footed).

Sometimes the term might be used more generally to describe someone who tends to favor the left side of their body overall, but the most common association is with sports.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar: Declension of 'Linksfuß'

The word "Linksfuß" is a masculine noun. Its definite article is "der". It is declined as follows:

Singular Declension

Plural Declension

Example Sentences

1. Lionel Messi gilt als einer der besten Linksfüße der Fußballgeschichte.
   (Lionel Messi is considered one of the best left-footers in football history.)
2. Der Trainer stellte den Linksfuß auf die linke Außenbahn.
   (The coach placed the left-footer on the left wing.)
3. Mit seinem starken linken Fuß erzielte der Linksfuß das entscheidende Tor.
   (With his strong left foot, the left-footer scored the decisive goal.)
4. Die Flanke kam perfekt für den Linksfuß im Strafraum.
   (The cross came perfectly for the left-footer in the penalty area.)

🎯 How to Use 'Linksfuß'?

The term "Linksfuß" is used almost exclusively in the context of sports, especially football. It describes players who prefer to play the ball with their left foot or do so exclusively.

• Sports reporting: Very common in analyses, commentary, and reports on football matches.
• Coaching: Coaches often talk about the need for 'Linksfüße' in a team for better tactical balance.
• Everyday language (rare): Occasionally, it might be used colloquially to describe someone who prefers their left foot in other activities, but this is uncommon.

⚠️ There's little risk of confusion, as the context (usually sports) is very clear. It's important to know that "Linksfuß" refers to the person, not just the foot itself.

💡 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Mnemonic: Think of der Spieler (the player) or der Mann (the man). Since a Linksfuß is a person (often male in the sports context), the masculine article der fits.

Meaning Mnemonic: It's straightforward: Links (Left) + Fuß (Foot) = Someone who uses their left foot. The components directly tell you the meaning.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

Related Terms

• Beidfüßer: Someone who can use both feet almost equally well (two-footed player).
• Linkslastig: Describes a style of play or team formation focusing on the left side (left-heavy).

😂 A Little Joke

Warum spielen Linksfüße nicht gerne Karten?

(Why don't left-footers like playing cards?)

Weil sie immer mit "links" geben!

(Because they always deal 'left-handedly'! - It's a pun: 'mit links geben' can mean 'to deal left-handedly' but colloquially also 'to do something effortlessly', and 'links' also means 'left'.) 😉

✍️ Poem about the 'Linksfuß'

Der Ball fliegt hoch, kommt schnell herab,
(The ball flies high, comes down fast,)
Ein Spieler steht bereit, nicht knapp.
(A player stands ready, not short.)
Kein Zögern, keine rechte Not,
(No hesitation, no right-sided need,)
Der Linksfuß schießt, trifft rot!
(The left-footer shoots, hits red! [goal])
Das Netz erzittert, Jubel laut,
(The net trembles, cheers loud,)
Ein Tor, das man ihm anvertraut.
(A goal that is entrusted to him.)
Mit links geschlenzt, präzis und fein,
(Curled with the left, precise and fine,)
So soll ein Linksfuß-Treffer sein!
(That's how a left-footer's goal should shine!)

❓ Little Riddle

Im Sport, da bin ich oft gefragt,
(In sports, I am often in demand,)
Hab' meinen starken Fuß verlagert.
(I have shifted my strong foot's command.)
Nicht rechts, wie viele auf dem Feld,
(Not right, like many on the field,)
Mit welcher Seite wird geprellt?
(With which side is the ball appealed?)

Wer bin ich? / Who am I?

Lösung / Solution: Der Linksfuß

✨ Other Information

Word Composition

The word "Linksfuß" is a compound noun, composed of:

• links: Adverb/adjective indicating the left direction or side.
• Fuß: Noun meaning 'foot'.

Trivia

Many of the world's best football players in history were or are left-footed, e.g., Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi, or Ferenc Puskás. This is often highlighted as a special characteristic.