Hals
/hals/masculine
The English word 'neck' translates to German as Hals, Nacken or Genick.
Meaning: part of body connecting the head and the trunk (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Hals | /hals/ | masculine |
| Nacken | /ˈnakən/ | masculine |
| Genick | /ɡəˈnɪk/ | neuter |
Hals is the general term and is also used to describe the internal throat. For example, a sore throat is described using Hals. The terms Nacken and Genick refer specifically to the back of the neck or the nape.
Which one should you use?
Hals is the most common general term and covers both the external neck and the internal throat. Nacken is the anatomical term for the nape or the back of the neck. Genick also refers to the nape or back of the neck, but it is more specific and often used when discussing physical sensations or injuries.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Hals and Nacken are masculine nouns and take the article der. Genick is a neuter noun and takes the article das.
How do you pronounce it?
/hals/
Did you know?
- The German word Hals is used in the expression einen Hals haben, which describes being extremely angry or frustrated rather than a physical condition.
- In German, the phrase Hals über den Kopf can describe someone acting without thinking, while the word Hals also appears in Halsstarrigkeit to describe stubbornness.
- The word Genick might be related to the German verb nicken, which means 'to nod', due to a historical linguistic influence.
Examples in context
- Wasch dir den Hals!Wash your neck.This sentence is useful for practicing the command to wash one's neck using Hals.Tatoeba #9265103 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #9265101 by CK
- Mein Nacken tut weh.My neck is sore.This sentence is useful for describing physical pain in the back of the neck using Nacken.Tatoeba #3226288 by Trebalor, translation #6705559 by Eccles17
- Er küsste meinen Hals.He kissed my neck.This sentence is useful for describing an action involving the neck using Hals.Tatoeba #6110376 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2260273 by Hybrid
- Meine Schwester hat sich den Hals verrenkt.My sister strained her neck.
- Der Nackenbereich ist sehr verspannt.The neck area is very tense.
- Ich habe mir das Genick beim Sport verstaucht.I sprained my neck while playing sports.
- Hüte dich vor dem Hieb auf die Kehle!Beware of the blow to the throat!
- 100 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Julia are talking about a cold winter day.
- FelixHast du einen warmen Schal für deinen Hals?Do you have a warm scarf for your neck?
- JuliaJa, ich trage ihn schon heute.Yes, I am already wearing it today.
- FelixGut, sonst bekommst du schnell einen steifen Hals.Good, otherwise you'll quickly get a stiff neck.
- JuliaDanke für den Tipp, Felix!Thanks for the tip, Felix!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “neck” translations and entries Hals, Nacken, Genick, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Genick, Hals, Nacken, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
