Zehennagel
/ˈtseːənˌnaːɡəl/masculine
The English phrase "toenail" is translated into German as Zehennagel. It is also spelled Zehnagel. Wiktionary also lists Fußnagel.
Meaning: the plate covering the end of a toe (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Zehennagel | /ˈtseːənˌnaːɡəl/ | masculine |
| Zehnagel | /ˈtseːˌnaːɡəl/ | masculine, uncommon, alternative form |
| Fußnagel | /ˈfuːsˌnaːɡəl/ | masculine |
The term refers to the plate covering the end of a toe.
What does it mean word for word?
The compound noun Zehennagel is made of Zehen, meaning toes and Nagel, meaning nail.
Which one should you use?
While Zehennagel specifically refers to the nail on a toe, Fußnagel is a more general term for a nail on the foot, although it is often used synonymously with toenail in casual speech. Additionally, Zehnagel is an uncommon alternative spelling of Zehennagel.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Southern Swabian dialect, the term dr Zeeschdernagel is used for toenail.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Zehennagel is Zehennägel, where the a in the second syllable changes to ä.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtseːənˌnaːɡəl/
Did you know?
- Because Nagel also means a metal nail, German has a specific idiom den Nagel auf den Kopf treffen, meaning to hit the nail on the head.
- In many German medical contexts, a specialist who deals with problems involving the Zehennagel is known as a Podologe, a term derived from Greek rather than the common German word for foot.
- The word Zeh (toe) and the English word 'toe' share a common ancestor in the Proto-Indo-European root for 'to point' or 'to reach'.
Examples in context
- Bei der Untersuchung fand der Arzt eine Infektion am Zehennagel.During the examination, the doctor found an infection on the toenail.
- Ich muss meine Nägel schneiden, besonders die an den Zehen.I need to trim my nails, especially the ones on my toes.
- Ich muss meinen Zehennagel schneiden.I need to cut my toenail.
- Ihr Zehennagel ist blau verfärbt.Her toenail is discolored blue.
Example conversation
Sarah and Felix are at a doctor's office.
- SarahFelix, tut dein Zehennagel weh?Felix, does your toenail hurt?
- FelixJa, er ist sehr empfindlich.Yes, it is very sensitive.
- SarahVielleicht sollte ich den Arzt fragen.Maybe I should ask the doctor.
- FelixDas ist eine gute Idee.That is a good idea.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “toenail” translations and entries Zehennagel, Zehnagel, Fußnagel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Fußnagel, Zehennagel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
