Knöchel
/ˈknœ.çl̩/
The English word "knuckle" is translated into German as Knöchel.
Knöchel refers to the joint of a finger.
Meaning: joint of the finger (noun)
Which one should you use?
You may also encounter the diminutive form Knöchelchen, which is used to refer to a small or tiny knuckle.
How does it change in a sentence?
Knöchel is a masculine noun. The diminutive form Knöchelchen can be used to refer to a small knuckle or a tiny knuckle.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈknœ.çl̩/ (1 of 2 syllables, stress on the first syllable)
Did you know?
- The word Knöchel is closely related to the German word Knödel, which means 'dumpling', because both describe a small, rounded lump.
- In German culinary terms, Knöchel can refer to a pork knuckle or shank, specifically the cut of meat known as Eisbein.
- While Knöchel refers to a finger joint, the word Knöchel is also used in German to describe the ankle bone, which English speakers would typically call the 'malleolus'.
Example conversation
Laura and Maximilian are talking about a small injury.
- LauraWas ist mit deinem Finger passiert, Maximilian?What happened to your finger, Maximilian?
- MaximilianIch habe mir einen Knöchel verletzt.I injured a knuckle.
- LauraSieht es schlimm aus?Does it look bad?
- MaximilianNein, nur ein kleiner Kratzer am Knöchel.No, just a small scratch on the knuckle.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Knöchel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
