Ohrläppchen
/ˈoːɐ̯ˌlɛpçən/neuter
The English phrase "ear lobe" is translated into German as Ohrläppchen.
Meaning: a part of the ear (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of Ohr (ear) and Läppchen, which is a diminutive of Lappen (meaning flap or rag).
How does it change in a sentence?
Ohrläppchen is a neuter noun, so it takes the article das. The word is used for both the singular and the plural forms.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈoːɐ̯ˌlɛpçən/
Did you know?
- In German, the word Lappen is also a common slang term for a person who is considered a 'loser' or a 'weakling'.
- The diminutive suffix -chen in Ohrläppchen doesn't just make the word 'small', it also forces the noun to be neuter, regardless of the original word's gender.
- The German word for 'earlobe' uses a diminutive that also implies a sense of cuteness or affection, similar to how 'doggy' works in English.
Examples in context
- Der Arzt untersuchte sorgfältig ihr Ohrläppchen.The doctor carefully examined her ear lobe.
- Mein Ohrläppchen ist sehr empfindlich.My ear lobe is very sensitive.
- Das Ohrläppchen ist sehr weich.The ear lobe is very soft.
- Sie hat ein kleines Ohrläppchen.She has a small ear lobe.
- Das Ohrläppchen tut beim Stechen weh.The ear lobe hurts during the piercing.
Example conversation
Julia and Felix are talking about earrings.
- JuliaFelix, hast du Löcher im Ohrläppchen?Felix, do you have holes in your ear lobes?
- FelixNein, ich habe kein Piercing im Ohrläppchen.No, I don't have a piercing in my ear lobe.
- JuliaIch finde Ohrringe am Ohrläppchen schön.I think earrings on the ear lobe are beautiful.
- FelixDas glaube ich auch, Julia.I think so too, Julia.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ear lobe” translations and entries Ohrläppchen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
