Zeh
/tseː/masculine
The German word for toe is Zeh. If unsure, use Zeh. Wiktionary also lists Zehe.
Meaning: any equivalent part in an animal (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Zeh | /tseː/ | masculine |
| Zehe | /ˈt͡seːə/ | feminine |
The word refers to any equivalent part in an animal.
Which one should you use?
In German, Zeh refers specifically to a toe (on a foot), whereas Finger refers to a finger (on a hand).
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Zeh is Zehen.
How do you pronounce it?
/tseː/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often confuse the German word Zeh (toe) with the word Zehn (ten) due to their similar sounds.
Did you know?
- The word Zeh shares a common ancestor with the English word 'indicate', tracing back to the Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to point out'.
- If you want to describe someone acting with extreme caution or stealth, you can use the idiom auf Zehenspitzen gehen, literally 'to go on tiptoes'.
Examples in context
- Mein kleiner Zeh tut weh.My little toe hurts.This sentence is useful for saying your little Zeh hurts.Tatoeba #4086737 by pullnosemans, translation #4086739 by pullnosemans
- Er stieß sich seinen Zeh.He stubbed his toe.This sentence is useful for saying someone stubbed their Zeh.Tatoeba #8846417 by wolfgangth, translation #7386220 by CH
- Mein Zeh fing zu bluten an.My toe began to bleed.This sentence is useful for saying your Zeh started bleeding.Tatoeba #973578 by Esperantostern, translation #1190449 by Anon
- Entschuldigen Sie, haben Sie Schmerzen am Zeh?Excuse me, do you have pain in your toe?
- Können Sie mir sagen, wie man Fußpilz am Zeh behandelt?Can you tell me how to treat athlete's foot on the toe?
- Meine Zehe ist eingeschlafen, das fühlt sich seltsam an!My toe fell asleep, it feels weird!
- 25 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Laura are getting ready for a walk.
- JulianIch kann meinen linken Zeh kaum bewegen.I can hardly move my left toe.
- LauraHast du dich wieder gestoßen, Julian?Did you stub it again, Julian?
- JulianJa, ich bin gegen die Tür gelaufen.Yes, I walked into the door.
- LauraDas ist wirklich sehr ärgerlich.That is really very annoying.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “toe” translations and entries Zeh, Zehe, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Zeh, Zehe, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
