der  Nacken

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈnakn̩/

🧐 What does "der Nacken" mean?

Der Nacken refers to the back part of the neck, the area between the lower back of the head and the shoulders. It connects the head to the torso and contains important structures like the cervical spine (Halswirbelsäule).

• Main meaning: The back area of the neck (anatomical), the nape.
• Figurative meaning: Can also represent resilience or burden (e.g., *etwas im Nacken haben* - to have something weighing on you, literally 'to have something in the neck').

There is only the masculine article der for Nacken.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📜 Grammar of "der Nacken" in Detail

The noun "Nacken" is masculine.

💡 Example Sentences

1. Sein Nacken tut vom langen Sitzen weh. (His nape hurts from sitting for a long time. - Nominative Singular)
2. Die Muskeln des Nackens sind verspannt. (The muscles of the nape are tense. - Genitive Singular)
3. Ich gebe dem Nacken eine sanfte Massage. (I give the nape a gentle massage. - Dative Singular)
4. Sie legte ihm die Hand in den Nacken. (She placed her hand on the nape of his neck. - Accusative Singular)
5. Die Nacken der Ringer waren beeindruckend. (The napes of the wrestlers were impressive. - Nominative Plural)

💬 How is "Nacken" used?

• Anatomically: To describe the body part: "Er hat Schmerzen im Nacken." (He has pain in his neck/nape.)
• Idioms (Redewendungen):
  • jemandem im Nacken sitzen: to breathe down someone's neck, to pressure someone. ("Der Chef sitzt mir ständig im Nacken." - My boss is constantly breathing down my neck.)
  • etwas im Nacken haben: to feel something coming (like an illness) or to feel burdened/threatened. ("Ich habe das Gefühl, eine Erkältung im Nacken zu haben." - I feel like I'm getting a cold. Lit: I have a cold in my neck.)
  • einen steifen Nacken haben/bekommen: to be stubborn or literally to have a stiff neck.
  • ein Schlag in den Nacken: a blow to the neck; also metaphorically, an unexpected setback or disappointment.
• Animal kingdom: The back of the neck on animals is also called Nacken. ("Die Katze packt ihre Jungen am Nacken." - The cat picks up her kittens by the nape of the neck.)

Potential confusion? Der Hals is the entire neck (front and back), while der Nacken specifically refers to the back part (nape). Das Genick is often used synonymously with Nacken, but can sound a bit more colloquial or be used in the context of injuries (Genickbruch - broken neck).

🧠 Mnemonics for "der Nacken"

For the article (der): Think of a strong man (der Mann) who often has a muscular nape (der Nacken). Or: Der Nacken ends in "en", like many masculine nouns (der Garten, der Wagen, der Regen).

For the meaning: Imagine someone gives you a friendly pat on the back of your neck - your Nacken. The 'Na-' sound might remind you of 'nape'.

↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar, but different words:

• Hals: Refers to the entire neck area, front and back. Der Nacken is part of der Hals.
• Rücken: Back (the area below the neck extending down the torso).

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der Arzt den Patienten: "Haben Sie öfter Schmerzen im Nacken?"
Patient: "Nur, wenn ich versuche, meine eigenen Rechnungen zu bezahlen!"

Translation:
The doctor asks the patient: "Do you often have pain in the neck?"
Patient: "Only when I try to pay my own bills!" (Note: 'a pain in the neck' is also an English idiom for something annoying)

✒️ Poem about the Nape

Der Nacken, stark und oft gespannt,
Trägt den Kopf durch Stadt und Land.
Mal schmerzt er sehr, mal ist er frei,
Ein wichtiger Teil, eins, zwei, drei.
Sitzt dir jemand drin, oh Graus,
Wünschst du ihn schnell zum Teufel raus!

Translation:
The nape, strong and often tense,
Carries the head through city and dense (land).
Sometimes it hurts badly, sometimes it's free,
An important part, one, two, three.
If someone sits 'in' it, oh dread,
You wish them quickly gone instead!

❓ Little Riddle

Ich bin hinten an deinem Hals zu finden,
kann durch Stress und Arbeit schwinden – an Kraft.
Manchmal sitzt dir jemand bildlich auf mir drauf.
Was bin ich?

Translation:
I can be found at the back of your neck,
Through stress and work, strength I might lack.
Sometimes someone figuratively sits on top of me.
What am I?

Solution: der Nacken (the nape)

🧩 Additional Information

• Word Compounds (Wortzusammensetzungen): The term "Nacken" is part of many compound words, e.g.:
  • Nackenkissen: A neck pillow.
  • Nackenstütze: A neck support or headrest (e.g., in a car).
  • Nackenschlag: A blow to the nape; also metaphorically for a setback.
  • Nackensteak: A neck steak (usually pork).
• Cultural Note: In some cultures, showing the nape of the neck (e.g., with updos) is considered particularly elegant or vulnerable.