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Chapter 6: Body Parts (Körperteile)

Introduction​

Understanding and naming body parts is fundamental in any language. Whether visiting a doctor, describing how you feel, or simply talking about yourself or others, knowing the vocabulary and expressions related to the human body is essential.

Why is this important?

  • Communicate health issues clearly
  • Describe physical characteristics
  • Understand instructions related to body care or movement
  • Engage in everyday conversations about well-being and fitness

Vocabulary​

GermanEnglishExample Sentence (German)Example Sentence (English)
der KopfheadMein Kopf tut weh.My head hurts.
das AugeeyeIch habe blaue Augen.I have blue eyes.
das OhrearHörst du mit deinem linken Ohr?Are you hearing with your left ear?
die NasenoseMeine Nase läuft.My nose is running.
der MundmouthÖffne deinen Mund, bitte.Open your mouth, please.
der Halsneck / throatIch habe Halsschmerzen.I have a sore throat.
die SchultershoulderMeine Schulter tut weh.My shoulder hurts.
der ArmarmEr hebt den Arm.He raises his arm.
die HandhandGib mir deine Hand.Give me your hand.
der FingerfingerZeig mit dem Finger!Point with your finger!
die BrustchestEr hat Schmerzen in der Brust.He has pain in his chest.
der Bauchbelly / stomachMein Bauch tut weh.My stomach hurts.
der RückenbackIch habe Rückenschmerzen.I have back pain.
das BeinlegSie hat lange Beine.She has long legs.
das KniekneeMein Knie ist verletzt.My knee is injured.
der FußfootIch habe Blasen an den Füßen.I have blisters on my feet.
die ZehetoeIch habe eine Zehe gebrochen.I broke a toe.
der KörperbodyDer Körper braucht Bewegung.The body needs exercise.

Theory & Grammar​

Articles and Gender of Body Parts​

Most body parts are masculine (der) or feminine (die), and some are neuter (das). It's important to learn the correct article with each noun.

  • der Kopf (masculine)
  • die Hand (feminine)
  • das Auge (neuter)

Using Possessive Pronouns with Body Parts​

When talking about parts of the body, German commonly uses reflexive possessive pronouns rather than definite articles.

Examples:

  • Ich wasche mir die Hände. (I wash my hands.)
  • Er verletzt sich am Bein. (He injures his leg.)

The structure is often:
[Subject] + reflexive pronoun + verb + definite article + body part

Describing Pain or Condition​

  • tun (to hurt) is used with dative for the body part:
    Mein Kopf tut weh. (My head hurts.)
  • Schmerzen haben (to have pain):
    Ich habe Bauchschmerzen. (I have stomach pain.)
  • Use adjectives to describe conditions:
    Der Hals ist rot. (The throat is red.)

Usage & Context​

  • Medical situations: Describe symptoms clearly to doctors or pharmacists.
  • Daily routines: Talking about washing, dressing, or exercising parts of the body.
  • Sports and fitness: Discussing body movement or injuries.
  • Describing people: Talk about physical appearance or features.

Practical Examples​

Dialogue 1: At the doctor’s office​

Arzt: Wo tut es Ihnen weh?
Patient: Mein Rücken tut sehr weh, und ich habe Halsschmerzen.

Dialogue 2: Describing a problem​

Maria: Ich habe Bauchschmerzen.
Anna: Hast du etwas Falsches gegessen?

Paragraph example:​

Der menschliche Körper hat viele wichtige Teile. Der Kopf schützt das Gehirn, und die Augen helfen uns zu sehen. Die Hände benutzen wir zum Greifen und Schreiben. Wenn eine Körperstelle weh tut, sagen wir „Mein … tut weh.“ Zum Beispiel: „Mein Fuß tut weh.“

Exercises​

1. Fill in the blanks:​

  1. Mein _______ (head) tut weh.
  2. Sie zeigt mit dem _______ (finger).
  3. Ich habe _______ (throat) Schmerzen.
  4. Er hebt den _______ (arm).
  5. Meine _______ (feet) sind müde.

2. Translate into German:​

  1. My eyes are blue.
  2. The leg is injured.
  3. I have pain in my back.
  4. She broke her toe.
  5. Open your mouth, please.

3. Sentence building:​

Create sentences using the following words:

  • der Bauch / tun weh / Ich
  • die Schulter / verletzt / Er
  • das Knie / schmerzen / Wir haben
  • der Fuß / müde / Du bist

Flashcards​

QuestionAnswer
How do you say "neck" in German?der Hals
What is "foot" in German?der Fuß
Translate: "My hand hurts."Meine Hand tut weh.
Which article goes with "Auge"?das Auge
How do you say "toe" in German?die Zehe

Workbook (Printable Summary)​

Key Vocabulary: Kopf, Auge, Ohr, Nase, Mund, Hals, Schulter, Arm, Hand, Finger, Brust, Bauch, Rücken, Bein, Knie, Fuß, Zehe.

Grammar Points:

  • Gender and articles of body parts
  • Use of reflexive pronouns with body parts
  • Expressing pain: tun weh and Schmerzen haben

Practice Tasks:

  • Write 5 sentences describing body parts and pain or conditions.
  • Translate 3 sentences about body parts.
  • Practice reflexive sentences with body parts.

Multimedia Resources​

Speaking Help​

  • Practice naming body parts out loud while touching them on yourself.
  • Describe your own or a friend’s pain or injury using simple sentences.
  • Use reflexive pronouns in sentences: Ich wasche mir die Hände.
  • Role-play doctor-patient dialogues with a partner.

Cultural Notes​

  • Germans tend to be direct and precise when describing symptoms; clear descriptions help doctors.
  • The phrase “Mir tut der Kopf weh” (My head hurts) is common and idiomatic, not literally “the head hurts me.”
  • In German medical communication, using reflexive forms is very natural and expected.

Review Section​

Quiz:​

  1. What is the German word for "shoulder"?
  2. How do you say "My stomach hurts" in German?
  3. Which reflexive pronoun goes with "ich" when talking about body parts?
  4. Translate: He has pain in his knee.
  5. What is the plural form of "die Zehe"?

Key Takeaways:​

  • Learn correct articles with body parts (der, die, das).
  • Use reflexive pronouns when referring to your own body parts.
  • Express pain with tun weh and Schmerzen haben.
  • Practice body-related vocabulary actively for everyday situations.