rib cage
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rib cage
The bony structure of the upper body in humans and vertebrates, consisting of the ribs, breastbone, and thoracic spine, which protects internal organs such as the heart and lungs.
Nach dem Sturz klagte er über starke Schmerzen im Brustkorb.
After the fall, he complained of severe pain in his rib cage.
This word is figuratively composed of 'die Brust' (the chest) and 'der Korb' (the basket). It describes the ribs as a kind of protective basket for the organs in the chest area.
Der Brustkorb schützt das Herz und die Lunge.
The rib cage protects the heart and lungs.
Although 'Brustkorb' (rib cage) is an anatomical term, it is frequently used in everyday language to describe pain or injuries in this area. The preposition 'in' with the dative is usually used.
Beim Atmen spüre ich einen Druck im Brustkorb.
When I breathe, I feel pressure in my rib cage.
Common adjectives are 'eng' (narrow/tight), 'breit' (broad), or 'gewölbt' (arched). In medical contexts, people often speak of 'prellen' (bruising) or 'brechen' (breaking) the rib cage.
Der Sportler hat einen sehr breiten Brustkorb.
The athlete has a very broad rib cage.
chest / breast
'die Brust' and 'der Brustkorb' are in the same area of the body. 'Brust' is the more general word for the front of the upper body between the neck and the abdomen. 'Brustkorb' refers more specifically to the bony structure with the ribs and breastbone that protects the heart and lungs. Learners may confuse the words because pain or injuries often involve the same area. If you are talking generally about the body part, 'Brust' fits. If you mean the bones, ribs, or protection of the organs, 'Brustkorb' is more precise.
Nach dem Sturz wurde der Brustkorb im Krankenhaus geröntgt.
After the fall, his rib cage was X-rayed at the hospital.
Beim Treppensteigen bekomme ich heute schnell Schmerzen in der Brust.
When climbing stairs today, I quickly get pain in my chest.