der  Unterarm

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʊntɐˌʔaʁm/

💪 What exactly is an 'Unterarm'?

The word der Unterarm (noun, masculine) refers to the part of the human arm located between the elbow and the wrist. In English, this is called the forearm. It consists of two bones, the Elle (ulna) and the Speiche (radius), as well as numerous muscles, tendons, and nerves that enable the movement of the hand and fingers.

There is only one article for this word: der Unterarm.

🧐 Grammar: Declining 'der Unterarm'

The word "Unterarm" is a masculine noun. Here is its declension:

Example Sentences

1. Er hat sich den Unterarm beim Sport verletzt.
   (He injured his forearm playing sports.)
2. Die Muskulatur des Unterarms ist bei Kletterern stark ausgeprägt.
   (The musculature of the forearm is very developed in climbers.)
3. Sie legte ihm eine Hand auf den Unterarm.
   (She placed a hand on his forearm.)
4. Nach dem Training schmerzten ihm beide Unterarme.
   (After the workout, both of his forearms hurt.)

🗣️ How to use 'Unterarm'?

The term Unterarm is mainly used in anatomical, medical, or sports-related contexts.

• Anatomy/Medicine: Describing body parts, injuries (e.g., Unterarmfraktur - forearm fracture), surgeries, or physiotherapy exercises.
• Sports: Describing techniques (e.g., Unterarmstütz - forearm plank) or strains in sports like tennis, climbing, or weightlifting.
• Everyday Language: Less frequent, but perfectly normal when referring to this specific body part, e.g., when describing a tattoo or a touch.

Compared to the more general word "Arm" (arm), "Unterarm" is more specific, referring only to the lower part of the arm.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article Mnemonic: Think: The strong Arm is masculine (der Arm), so the part 'unter' (under/below) the elbow is also masculine: der Unterarm.

Meaning Mnemonic: The word is a compound: Unter (under/lower) + Arm (arm). It literally means the 'under-arm' or 'lower arm', the part below the elbow.

↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms for Unterarm

Similar but different terms:

• Arm: The entire upper limb, from shoulder to hand.
• Handgelenk: The wrist joint.
• Ellbogen: The elbow joint.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Gewichtheber so starke Unterarme?

Damit er seine Rechnungen besser stemmen kann! 😉

--- English Translation ---

Why does the weightlifter have such strong forearms?

So he can better 'shoulder' (lit. 'stem/lift') his bills! 😉 (Note: 'stemmen' means to lift/press weights, but can also figuratively mean to manage/handle something difficult, like bills).

✍️ Poem about the Forearm

Zwischen Hand und Ellbogen klar,
\liegt er da, Jahr für Jahr.
\Der Unterarm, stark und fest,
\hält die Hand, besteht den Test.
\Trägt die Last, führt den Strich,
\ohne ihn geht's sicherlich,
\doch viel schwerer, das ist wahr,
\dank ihm sind wir beweglich gar.

--- English Translation ---

Between hand and elbow clear,
it lies there, year after year.
The forearm, strong and firm,
holds the hand, passes the term (test).
Carries the load, guides the line,
without it, things would surely decline,
much harder, that is true,
thanks to it, we are mobile, through and through.

❓ Little Riddle

Ich bin ein Teil von deinem Arm,
\halte deine Hand schön warm (nicht wirklich, aber nah dran!).
\Zwischen Gelenk oben und Gelenk unten lieg' ich,
\mit Elle und Speiche bin ich ziemlich knochig.

\Wer bin ich? (... Der Unterarm)

--- English Translation ---

I am part of your arm,
I keep your hand nice and warm (not really, but close!).
Between the joint above and the joint below, I lie,
With ulna and radius, I'm quite bony, oh my.

What am I? (... The forearm / der Unterarm)

🧩 Other Information

Word Composition:

The word "Unterarm" is a compound noun (Kompositum) made of two parts:

• Unter-: A prefix indicating a position below or a lower level.
• Arm: The noun for the upper limb (arm).

Trivia:

• The two bones of the forearm, Elle (ulna) and Speiche (radius), allow the rotational movement of the hand (pronation and supination).
• Many important muscles for the fine motor skills of the fingers and hand originate in the Unterarm.