Zwerchfell
/ˈt͡svɛrçˌfɛl/neuter
The German word for diaphragm is Zwerchfell.
Zwerchfell is an anatomical noun used to refer to the sheet of muscle that separates the thorax from the abdomen.
Meaning: anatomy: sheet of muscle separating thorax from abdomen (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of Zwerch (transverse/crosswise) and Fell (membrane/skin/hide).
How does it change in a sentence?
Zwerchfell is a neuter noun, so it is used with the definite article das. The plural form of the word is Zwerchfelle.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtsvɛrçˌfɛl/
Did you know?
- While it literally means 'crosswise hide', the word Zwerchfell is used metaphorically to describe the 'seat of human emotion', similar to how the ancient Greeks viewed the mind.
- While most people associate Fell with 'fur' or 'animal skin' in a clothing context, it is used in Zwerchfell to denote a biological membrane.
Examples in context
- Das Zwerchfell ist ein Muskel.The diaphragm is a muscle.This sentence is useful for identifying that Zwerchfell is a muscle.Tatoeba #2999908 by pne, translation #1671751 by AlanF_US
- Der Arzt erklärte, dass das Zwerchfell für die Atmung eine entscheidende Rolle spielt.The doctor explained that the diaphragm plays a crucial role in breathing.
- Das Zwerchfell kontrolliert die Atmung.The diaphragm controls breathing.
- Ein Spasmus des Zwerchfells ist schmerzhaft.A spasm of the diaphragm is painful.
Example conversation
A doctor is explaining a physical condition to a patient.
- FelixHaben Sie Schmerzen im Bereich des Zwerchfells?Do you have pain in the area of the diaphragm?
- HannahJa, es zieht dort sehr stark.Yes, it pulls there very strongly.
- FelixDas Zwerchfell kann gereizt sein.The diaphragm might be irritated.
- HannahIst das gefährlich?Is that dangerous?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “diaphragm” translations and entries Zwerchfell, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Zwerchfell, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
