der  Oberschenkel

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈoːbɐˌʃɛŋkl/

🦵 What exactly is an Oberschenkel?

The German word der Oberschenkel refers to the part of the human or animal leg located between the hip and the knee. It's the upper section of the leg, commonly known as the thigh in English.

The Oberschenkel contains the Oberschenkelknochen (*thigh bone*, *also known as the* Femur *in anatomy*), *which is the longest and strongest bone in the human skeleton. It also houses important and large muscle groups (e.g.,* Quadrizeps, Beinbeuger - *quadriceps, hamstrings*), *which are essential for leg movement and body stabilization.*

Since only the article "der" is correct, there are no different meanings based on the article.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar: Declension of 'der Oberschenkel'

The noun Oberschenkel is a masculine noun. The article is always "der". It is declined as follows:

Example Sentences

• Nach dem Marathon schmerzte sein linker Oberschenkel.
  (His left thigh hurt after the marathon.)
• Die Hose ist am Oberschenkel etwas eng.
  (The trousers are a bit tight on the thigh.)
• Sie hat sich eine Zerrung im Oberschenkel zugezogen.
  (She pulled a muscle in her thigh.)
• Die Oberschenkel von Radfahrern sind oft sehr muskulös.
  (The thighs of cyclists are often very muscular.)
• Der Arzt untersuchte den Umfang seiner beiden Oberschenkel.
  (The doctor examined the circumference of both his thighs.)

💡 How to use 'Oberschenkel'?

The term "Oberschenkel" is primarily used in the following contexts:

• Anatomy and Medicine: For the precise designation of the body part. Examples include Oberschenkelknochen (*thigh bone*), Oberschenkelmuskulatur (*thigh musculature*), or medical conditions like Oberschenkelhalsbruch (*femoral neck fracture*).
• Sports and Fitness: When discussing training or sports injuries, people often refer to the Oberschenkel (thighs) or specific muscles within them (e.g., exercises for the Oberschenkel).
• Everyday Language: When talking about clothing (e.g., "Die Jeans spannt an den Oberschenkeln" - *"The jeans are tight on the thighs"*) or simply referring to the body part.

⚠️ Distinction from "Schenkel": The word **Schenkel** can sometimes be used synonymously for **Oberschenkel**, but it is less precise. **Schenkel** can also refer more generally to the leg or, in certain contexts (e.g., poultry), include the lower leg as well. **Oberschenkel** is the unambiguous term for the upper part of the leg.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

For the article 'der': Think of der Mann (*the man*) having a strong thigh, or der längste Knochen (*the longest bone*) – both are associated with the Oberschenkel. This helps remember the masculine article "der".

For the meaning: The word is a compound: Ober- (*meaning 'upper' or 'above'*) + Schenkel (*part of the leg*). So, it's literally the 'upper leg segment', just below the hip.

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms for Oberschenkel

⚠️ Similar, potentially confusing words

• der Schenkelhals: A specific part of the femur near the hip (*Oberschenkelhalsbruch* - femoral neck fracture - is a common injury in the elderly).
• die Leiste: The groin area, between the abdomen and the thigh.

😂 A Little Joke

German: Fragt der Arzt den Patienten mit Gipsbein: "Na, wie geht's denn so?" Sagt der Patient: "Ach, nur schrittweise... und mein Oberschenkel findet das gar nicht lustig!" 😉

English Translation: The doctor asks the patient with a cast on his leg: "Well, how's it going?" The patient replies: "Oh, just step by step... and my thigh (Oberschenkel) doesn't find it funny at all!" 😉

📜 Poem about the Oberschenkel

German:
Der Oberschenkel, stark und fest,
Besteht jeden Alltagstest.
Trägt uns weit, bei Schritt und Sprung,
Hält den Körper stets in Schwung.

Vom Hüftgelenk zum Knie hinab,
Macht er selten nur mal schlapp.
Ein Muskelpaket, wohlgeformt,
Hat uns're Bewegung genormt.

English Translation:
The thigh (Oberschenkel), so strong and tight,
Passes every daily test with might.
Carries us far, in step and leap,
Keeps the body going, from slumber deep.

From hip joint down towards the knee,
It rarely tires, wild and free.
A pack of muscles, finely shaped,
Our every movement it has draped.

🧩 Riddle Time

German:
Ich bin ein Teil von deinem Bein,
Nicht der untere, nein, nein!
Mein Knochen ist der längste hier,
Zwischen Hüfte und Knie sitz' ich bei dir.

Wer bin ich?

English Translation:
I am a part of your leg, it's true,
Not the lower one, between me and your shoe!
My bone is the longest found in you,
Between the hip and knee, I sit with you.

What am I?
... Der Oberschenkel (*the thigh*)

✨ Other Information

Word Composition

Oberschenkel is a compound noun formed from:

• ober-: A prefix meaning 'upper', 'top', or 'above'.
• der Schenkel: A noun meaning 'leg segment' or 'thigh' (originally often the whole leg from the knee down or up).

Together, the meaning is the "upper part of the Schenkel/leg".

Trivia

• The Oberschenkelknochen (Femur) is not only the longest but also the heaviest and strongest bone in the human body.
• The musculature of the thigh (Oberschenkelmuskulatur) is among the largest and most powerful muscle groups in humans.