Rücken
/ˈʁʏkn̩/masculine
The German word for back (the rear of the body) is Rücken.
Rücken is used to refer specifically to the anatomical back of a person or animal.
Meaning: the rear of body (noun)
Which one should you use?
While Rücken refers to the anatomical body part, the word Rückseite is used when referring to the back side of an object.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Switzerland, the informal term Zrugg is used to say back.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The nominative singular form is Rücken, which is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʁʏkn̩/
Did you know?
- The expression jemandem in den Rücken fallen literally means 'to fall into someone's back', but it actually means to betray a friend or stab them in the back.
- In German, a mountain ridge is called a Rücken.
- The verb rücken (to move or budge) is a distant linguistic relative of the English word 'rock'.
Examples in context
- Mein Rücken tut weh.My back hurts.This sentence is useful for expressing that your Rücken is in pain.Tatoeba #905634 by Esperantostern, translation #881871 by CK
- Sein Rücken tut weh.His back hurts.This sentence is useful for expressing that his Rücken is in pain.Tatoeba #11830873 by Naina, translation #11129867 by ddnktr
- Er lag auf dem Rücken.He was lying on his back.This sentence is useful for describing someone lying on their Rücken.Tatoeba #643588 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #295390 by CK
- Bitte treten Sie zurückPlease step back
- Bitte setzen Sie sich hinten hinSit back there, please
- Lass uns nach Hause zurückgehenLet's go back home
- Wann kommst du zurück?When will you come back?
- Ich bin gleich zruggI'll be right back
- 295 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Julia are talking after a long day of work.
- MaximilianMein Rücken ist heute so steif.My back is so stiff today.
- JuliaSoll ich dir am Rücken massieren?Should I massage your back?
- MaximilianJa, bitte, das wäre wirklich toll.Yes, please, that would be really great.
- JuliaSetz dich einfach mit dem Rücken zu mir.Just sit with your back to me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “back” translations and entries Rücken, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Rücken, rücken, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
