Schlüsselbein
The English phrase collarbone is Schlüsselbein in German.
Schlüsselbein refers to the bone that connects the shoulder blade to the breastbone.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of Schlüssel, meaning key and Bein, meaning bone or leg.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is neuter and is used with the definite article das. To form the plural Schlüsselbeine (collarbones), add an -e to the end of the word.
Did you know?
- While English uses the 'collar' of a shirt as a reference for the 'collarbone', German refers to the object used to open a lock.
- The word Schlüsselbein is a literal translation of the Latin anatomical term 'clavicula', which means 'little key'.
- The word Bein in Schlüsselbein means 'bone', but in modern everyday German it almost always refers specifically to the 'leg'.
Examples in context
- Tom hatte mit dreizehn einen Schlüsselbeinbruch.Tom broke his collarbone when he was thirteen.This sentence shows how to use Schlüsselbein when discussing a bone fracture.Tatoeba #3047117 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3047078 by CK
- Ich habe mir das Schlüsselbein gebrochen.I broke my collarbone.
- An der Klavikula habe ich eine Verletzung.I have an injury on my collarbone.
- Sie trägt eine Kette direkt über dem Schlüsselbein.She is wearing a necklace right above the collarbone.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Laura are discussing a minor injury at the gym.
- JulianHast du Schmerzen am Schlüsselbein?Do you have pain at the collarbone?
- LauraJa, mein Schlüsselbein tut ein bisschen weh.Yes, my collarbone hurts a little bit.
- JulianVielleicht solltest du heute nicht trainieren.Maybe you shouldn't train today.
- LauraDu hast recht, ich gehe lieber nach Hause.You're right, I'd rather go home.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Schlüsselbein, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
