01
der Busen
breast
The female breast or a woman's breasts.
example
Das Kleid hatte einen tiefen Ausschnitt, der ihren Busen betonte.
The dress had a low neckline that emphasized her breasts.
der Busen
breast / bosom / gulf
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Fixed expression
The expression 'am Busen der Natur' (in nature's bosom) is a fixed idiom. It is always used in this form and describes being in a quiet place in nature.
EXAMPLE
Wir verbrachten das Wochenende am Busen der Natur, weit weg von der Stadt.
We spent the weekend in nature's bosom, far away from the city.
Word structure
The old geographical meaning 'Bucht' (bay) is now found almost only in compound words such as 'Meerbusen' (gulf). A 'Meerbusen' is a large bay or gulf.
EXAMPLE
Der Persische Golf ist ein bekannter Meerbusen.
The Persian Gulf is a well-known gulf.
Register and style
'Busen' (breast) as a term for the female breast is often felt to be somewhat more formal, polite, or even medical than other colloquial words.
EXAMPLE
Bei der Untersuchung tastete die Ärztin den Busen ab.
During the examination, the doctor palpated the breast.
Poetic language
The use of 'Busen' (bosom) as the seat of emotions is typical of elevated, poetic language. In this case, the word can refer to both men and women.
EXAMPLE
Ein Gefühl der Freude erfüllte seinen Busen.
A feeling of joy filled his bosom.
Compare with
Busen vs Herz
heart
'Herz' and 'Busen' can both be connected figuratively with feelings. 'Herz' is the normal word for this and is used very often, for example with love, courage, or compassion. 'Busen' in this meaning sounds elevated, poetic, or old-fashioned. In everyday language, 'Busen' is usually understood more as a woman's breast, so the word can easily sound wrong. The words can be confused in fixed or literary expressions. If you want to speak naturally about feelings, 'Herz' is almost always the better choice. 'Busen' fits more in poetic or old texts.
Busen
In dem alten Gedicht trägt der Held große Trauer im Busen.
In the old poem, the hero carries great sorrow in his bosom.
Herz
Die freundlichen Worte haben ihr Herz berührt.
The kind words touched her heart.
In real life
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