der Augapfel
eyeball
The spherical part of the eye that sits inside the eye socket and is protected by the eyelids.
EXAMPLE
Der Arzt untersuchte den Augapfel mit einer speziellen Lampe.
The doctor examined the eyeball with a special lamp.
der Augapfel
eyeball
der Augapfel, die Augäpfel
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Meanings
jemandes Augapfel sein
apple of someone's eye
To be someone whom another person particularly loves or treats as a favorite.
EXAMPLE
Die jüngste Tochter ist der Augapfel ihres Vaters.
The youngest daughter is the apple of her father's eye.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Augapfel, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Augäpfel |
| genitive | des Augapfels |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Augapfel | die Augäpfel |
| accusative | den Augapfel | die Augäpfel |
| dative | dem Augapfel | den Augäpfeln |
| genitive | des Augapfels | der Augäpfel |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Word formation
'Augapfel' (eyeball) consists of 'Aug-', a form of 'Auge' (eye) used in compounds, and 'Apfel' (apple). The shape resembles an apple, and the word describes the spherical shape of the eye.
EXAMPLE
Der Augapfel ist durch die Augenlider gut geschützt.
The eyeball is well protected by the eyelids.
Medical context
The literal meaning of 'Augapfel' (eyeball) occurs particularly in medical and ophthalmological texts. Typical collocations refer to examinations, injuries, or protection of the eyeball.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Unfall musste der Augapfel gründlich untersucht werden.
After the accident, the eyeball had to be examined thoroughly.
Fixed expression
In 'jemandes Augapfel sein' (to be the apple of someone's eye), the loved or favored person is the subject, while the person who feels this affection is usually expressed in the genitive. The expression is figurative and refers to special affection or favoritism.
EXAMPLE
Der kleine Enkel ist der Augapfel seiner Großmutter.
The little grandson is the apple of his grandmother's eye.
Context clue
If the context involves injuries, examinations, or body parts, the literal meaning is intended. When 'Augapfel' (eyeball / apple of someone's eye) appears in connection with a person and an affectionate relationship, it is usually the figurative expression.
EXAMPLE
Die Ärztin stellte eine leichte Verletzung am Augapfel fest.
The doctor found a minor injury to the eyeball.
Ihre ältere Tochter ist der Augapfel der Familie.
Her older daughter is the apple of the family's eye.
In real life
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