Ellbogen
/ˈɛlˌboːɡn̩/masculine
The English word "elbow" is translated into German as Ellbogen.
The term refers to the joint between the upper arm and the forearm.
Meaning: joint between upper arm and forearm (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of Ellbogen is also Ellbogen.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɛlˌboːɡn̩/
Did you know?
- The English word 'ell' for a measurement was borrowed from the same root as the German Elle. This creates a direct linguistic link between the English L-shape and the German 'elbow'.
- In German, the word Ellbogen is also used metaphorically to describe a person who is very competitive or pushy in business or social situations.
- The word Elle inside Ellbogen refers to an ancient unit of measurement based on the length of a human forearm. Because of this, the 'elbow' was historically the anchor point for measuring cloth.
Examples in context
- Verdreh mir nicht den Ellbogen.Don't twist my elbow.This sentence is useful for showing how to use Ellbogen in a command regarding twisting the joint.Tatoeba #5810468 by brauchinet, translation #5809759 by Eccles17
- Ich habe mir am Ellbogen wehgetan.I hurt my elbow.This sentence is useful for expressing that you have hurt your Ellbogen.Tatoeba #917420 by Sudajaengi, translation #34779 by CK
- Maria knuffte ihn mit dem Ellbogen.Mary nudged him with her elbow.This sentence is useful for describing an action where someone nudges another using their Ellbogen.Tatoeba #10695683 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #7859059 by Hybrid
- Mein Ellenbogen tut weh.My elbow hurts.
- Pass auf deinen Ellenbogen auf!Watch out for your elbow!
- Er stützte sich auf seinen Ellenbogen.He leaned on his elbow.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Sarah are sitting at a small table in a cafe.
- LukasEntschuldigung, dein Ellbogen hat mich gestreift.Excuse me, your elbow brushed against me.
- SarahOh, das tut mir leid, Lukas.Oh, I am sorry, Lukas.
- LukasKein Problem, der Tisch ist sehr klein.No problem, the table is very small.
- SarahJa, ich passe besser auf.Yes, I will be more careful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “elbow” translations and entries Ellbogen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Ellbogen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
