die
Schulter
🧍♀️ What exactly is a Schulter?
Die Schulter (noun, feminine) refers to the part of the human or animal body where the arm (or foreleg) connects to the torso. It's a complex joint that allows for a wide range of motion. The direct English translation is shoulder.
Figuratively, "Schulter" can also symbolize support or burden (e.g., "eine starke Schulter zum Anlehnen" - a strong shoulder to lean on, or "Verantwortung auf seinen Schultern tragen" - to carry responsibility on one's shoulders).
Since the word only uses the article "die", there's no risk of confusion regarding different meanings based on the article. 💡
🧐 Grammar in Detail: Die Schulter
"Schulter" is a feminine noun and therefore uses the article "die". Here is its declension:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Subject) | die | Schulter |
| Genitive (Possessive) | der | Schulter |
| Dative (Indirect Object) | der | Schulter |
| Accusative (Direct Object) | die | Schulter |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Schultern |
| Genitive | der | Schultern |
| Dative | den | Schultern |
| Accusative | die | Schultern |
Example Sentences
- Der Arzt untersuchte meine rechte Schulter. (The doctor examined my right shoulder.)
- Er trug den schweren Rucksack auf seinen Schultern. (He carried the heavy backpack on his shoulders.)
- Sie bot ihm eine Schulter zum Ausweinen an. (She offered him a shoulder to cry on.)
- Beim Sport habe ich mir die Schulter gezerrt. (I strained my shoulder playing sports.)
🗣️ How to Use "die Schulter"
The word "die Schulter" is mainly used in the following contexts:
- Anatomy/Medicine: Describing the body part, in case of injuries (Schulterprellung - shoulder bruise, Schulterluxation - shoulder dislocation), surgeries, or physiotherapy.
- Everyday Life: Referring to the body part when carrying bags (Taschen), backpacks (Rucksäcke), clothing (Schulterpolster - shoulder pads), or in gestures (Achselzucken - shrugging, jemandem auf die Schulter klopfen - patting someone on the shoulder).
- Figurative Meanings/Idioms:
- Jemandem die kalte Schulter zeigen: To give someone the cold shoulder; to treat someone dismissively or unfriendly.
- Etwas auf die leichte Schulter nehmen: To take something lightly; to underestimate something.
- Schulter an Schulter stehen/kämpfen: To stand/fight shoulder to shoulder; acting together in solidarity.
- Eine Last auf den Schultern tragen: To carry a burden on one's shoulders; having responsibility or worries.
- Eine Schulter zum Anlehnen brauchen/bieten: To need/offer a shoulder to lean on; seeking/giving comfort and support.
It's a very common word with no major pitfalls in usage, as long as you remember the feminine article "die".
🧠 Mnemonics for Schulter
Article Mnemonic: Think of a lady (feminine -> die) elegantly draping a shawl over die Schulter. Feminine elegance matches "die".
Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine you have to shoul(d)er a heavy burden – you carry it on your Schulter. The sound similarity helps connect the English and German words.
🔁 Similar and Opposite Terms
Risk of Confusion?
😂 A Little Shoulder Joke
DE: Fragt der Arzt den Patienten: "Haben Sie Schmerzen in der linken Schulter?"
Patient: "Nein, nur wenn ich den Arm ganz hoch hebe."
Arzt: "Dann heben Sie den Arm doch einfach nicht ganz hoch!"
EN: The doctor asks the patient: "Do you have pain in your left shoulder?"
Patient: "No, only when I lift my arm all the way up."
Doctor: "Then simply don't lift your arm all the way up!"
✍️ Poem about the Shoulder
DE:
Die Schulter, stark und breit,
Trägt Last durch Raum und Zeit.
Ein Klopfen, freundlich, warm,
Hält sicher meinen Arm.
Manchmal zeigt sie kalt und kühl,
Ein abweisend Gefühl.
Doch meistens ist sie da,
Steht bei, ganz nah.
EN:
The shoulder, strong and wide,
Carries burdens through space and time.
A pat, friendly and warm,
Securely holds my arm.
Sometimes it shows cold and cool,
A rejecting feel.
But mostly it is there,
Stands by, quite near.
❓ Riddle Time
DE:
Ich trage Lasten, leicht und schwer,
bin Teil von dir, was will man mehr?
Man kann mich zucken, wenn man's nicht weiß,
und zeig' die Kalte, auf meine Weis'.
Was bin ich?
EN:
I carry burdens, light and heavy,
I'm part of you, what more could one want?
You can shrug me when you don't know,
And show the cold one, in my own way.
What am I?
Solution: die Schulter (the shoulder)
🧩 Other Interesting Facts
- Word Origin: The word "Schulter" comes from the Old High German "scultarra". Its precise deeper origin is unclear but might be related to carrying (compare "schulden" in the old sense of bearing/loading).
- Complex Joint: The shoulder joint (das Schultergelenk) is the most mobile joint in the human body, which also makes it susceptible to injuries.
- Idioms: The large number of idioms (Redewendungen) shows the symbolic importance of the shoulder for burden, responsibility, and support in German language use.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Schulter?
The German word for "shoulder" is die Schulter. It is a feminine noun.