der  Mittelfinger

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈmɪtl̩ˌfɪŋɐ/

☝️ What does der Mittelfinger mean?

The term der Mittelfinger has two main meanings:

1. Anatomically: It refers to the middle finger of the five fingers on the human hand, also known as Digitus medius in Latin. It is located between the Zeigefinger (index finger) and the Ringfinger (ring finger).

2. Gesturally/Colloquially: Showing the extended middle finger while the rest of the fist is closed is a highly offensive gesture, often referred to as "Stinkefinger zeigen" (showing the stinky finger). ⚠️ This gesture is frowned upon as vulgar and disrespectful in many cultures, including Germany, and can have legal consequences.

There is only the masculine article der for this word.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📊 Grammar of der Mittelfinger in Detail

The word der Mittelfinger is a masculine noun. It follows the strong declension pattern.

Example Sentences

• Sein Mittelfinger war nach dem Unfall geschwollen.
  (His middle finger was swollen after the accident.) (Anatomical meaning)
• Er hat mir den Mittelfinger gezeigt, was ich als Beleidigung empfand.
  (He showed me the middle finger, which I perceived as an insult.) (Gestural meaning)
• Sie trug einen Ring am Mittelfinger.
  (She wore a ring on her middle finger.)
• Die Mittelfinger beider Hände waren bandagiert.
  (The middle fingers of both hands were bandaged.)

🗣️ Usage: More than just a finger?

The use of der Mittelfinger heavily depends on the context:

• In medical or anatomical contexts: Here, the word is used neutrally and descriptively to name the specific finger (e.g., for injuries, measurements, descriptions).
• Referring to the gesture: Mentioning the extended Mittelfinger almost always refers to the offensive gesture. The phrase "den Mittelfinger zeigen" (to show the middle finger) is unambiguous. In formal situations, this meaning should be avoided or addressed very cautiously.
• Colloquial speech: Sometimes the finger is mentioned colloquially without directly meaning the gesture, but the association with the insult is often present.

⚠️ It is important to understand the context to avoid misunderstandings. The gesture itself is unacceptable in public and in most social situations in Germany.

🧠 Mnemonics for der Mittelfinger

Article 'der'

Think: Der finger in der middle stands tall and strong, often associated with masculine energy (like the offensive gesture might be perceived). Or remember that der Finger (finger in general) is masculine.

Remembering the Meaning

The finger in the Mitte (middle) is the... Mittelfinger! Easy! And remember: The Middle finger can cause Mischief (the gesture).

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

Similar but Different Terms

• Zeigefinger: The index finger, next to the Mittelfinger, used for pointing (zeigen = to point/show).

😂 A Little Joke

Arzt zum Patienten: "Welcher Finger tut weh?"
Patient: "Wenn ich diesen hier bewege." (Wackelt mit dem Mittelfinger)
Arzt: "Dann bewegen Sie ihn doch einfach nicht!"

Translation:
Doctor to patient: "Which finger hurts?"
Patient: "When I move this one." (Wiggles the middle finger)
Doctor: "Then just don't move it!"

✍️ A Finger Poem

Fünf Finger hat die Hand,
jeder ist bekannt.
Der Daumen, stark und breit,
der Zeiger zeigt die Zeit.
Der Mittelfinger ragt empor,
steht in der Mitte vor.
Der Ringfinger trägt Schmuck so fein,
der Kleine rundet ab das Sein.

Translation:
The hand has five fingers,
each one is known.
The thumb, strong and wide,
the index finger shows the time (or points the way).
The middle finger rises high,
stands in the middle before (all).
The ring finger wears fine jewelry,
the little one rounds off the being (completes the set).

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bin der Längste in der Hand,
steh' in der Mitte, wohlbekannt.
Manchmal werd' ich unverschämt,
doch meistens bin ich nur bequem
zwischen zwei Nachbarn eingereiht.
Wer bin ich wohl, zur Fingerzeit?

Translation:
I am the longest in the hand,
stand in the middle, well-known.
Sometimes I become impudent,
but mostly I'm just comfortably
lined up between two neighbors.
Who am I, at finger time?

Solution: Der Mittelfinger (The middle finger)

✨ Other Information

Word Composition

The word Mittelfinger is a compound noun, composed of:

• Mitte: Meaning middle or center, referring to its position.
• Finger: The base word, meaning finger.

Trivia

• In sign language, the Mittelfinger often has specific, non-offensive meanings.
• The offensive gesture has a long history, dating back to ancient times (e.g., ancient Greece and Rome).