Mittelfinger
/ˈmɪtl̩ˌfɪŋɐ/
The English phrase "middle finger" is translated into German as Mittelfinger.
Mittelfinger refers to the obscene gesture. To express the action of making this gesture, you use the phrase jemandem den Mittelfinger zeigen (to show someone the middle finger).
Meaning: obscene gesture (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
When it is used as a direct object, it takes the accusative article den (e.g., den Mittelfinger). In the genitive case, the word takes an -s ending, appearing as des Mittelfingers.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmɪtl̩ˌfɪŋɐ/
Did you know?
- In Germany, showing the Mittelfinger is not just a social taboo but can be legally classified as Beleidigung (insult), which can lead to fines or legal action if reported to the police.
- While the Mittelfinger is widely understood, Germans traditionally used the Stinkefinger as a slang term for the same gesture, literally translating to 'stink finger'.
- The word Mittelfinger is a compound noun, a common feature of German where two separate concepts like mittel and Finger merge into one single word.
Examples in context
- Der Mittelfinger ist der längste.The middle finger is the longest.This sentence describes the length of the Mittelfinger.Tatoeba #4309095 by Esperantostern, translation #715802 by darinmex
- Die Hand hat fünf Finger: den Daumen, den Zeigefinger, den Mittelfinger, den Ringfinger und den kleinen Finger.The hand has five fingers: the thumb, the index finger, the middle finger, the ring finger, and the pinky.This sentence lists the various fingers of the hand, including the Mittelfinger.Tatoeba #1037452 by Esperantostern, translation #1005356 by ellasevia
- Er hat keinen Mittelfinger.He doesn't have any middle finger.This sentence mentions that a person does not have a Mittelfinger.Tatoeba #10665515 by Sprakify, translation #10665517 by Sprakify
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Julia are watching a street fight.
- FelixZeig ihm doch einfach den Mittelfinger!Just show him the middle finger!
- JuliaDas ist zu aggressiv, Felix.That is too aggressive, Felix.
- FelixEr hat uns doch gerade beleidigt.But he just insulted us.
- JuliaLass uns einfach gehen.Let's just go.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Mittelfinger, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Mittelfinger, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
