01
der Fingernagel
fingernail
The hard, transparent keratin plate that protects the upper side of the end of the fingers.
example
Er kaute nervös an seinen Fingernägeln.
He nervously chewed on his fingernails.
der Fingernagel
fingernail
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Meanings
Usage tips
Compound word
The word is a simple and logical compound of 'der Finger' (finger) and 'der Nagel' (nail). So it refers to the nail on a finger.
EXAMPLE
Sie hat sich beim Zwiebelschneiden in den Finger geschnitten, aber der Fingernagel ist heil geblieben.
She cut her finger while chopping onions, but the fingernail stayed intact.
Parallel structure
Following the same pattern, 'der Zehennagel' (toenail) is also formed, composed of 'die Zehe' (toe) and 'der Nagel' (nail). If you know one word, you can easily derive the other.
EXAMPLE
Im Sommer lackiert sie sich nicht nur die Fingernägel, sondern auch die Zehennägel.
In summer, she paints not only her fingernails but also her toenails.
Typical verbs
In everyday language, 'Fingernagel' (fingernail) is often combined with certain verbs that describe grooming actions. These include 'sich die Fingernägel schneiden' (to cut one's fingernails), 'feilen' (to file), or 'lackieren' (to paint/polish).
EXAMPLE
Ich muss mir dringend die Fingernägel schneiden, sie sind schon viel zu lang.
I urgently need to cut my fingernails; they are already much too long.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'jemandem unter den Nägeln brennen' means that a question or problem is very urgent for someone. Although only 'Nägel' (nails) is said here, the image is that of fingernails.
EXAMPLE
Ich muss dich etwas fragen, es brennt mir unter den Nägeln!
I have to ask you something; it's really urgent!
Compare with
Fingernagel vs Nagel
nail
'der Nagel' and 'der Fingernagel' can both mean the hard part at the end of a finger. 'Fingernagel' is more precise because it only refers to fingers. 'Nagel' is more general: it can be a fingernail, a toenail, or also a metal pin used for fastening things. That is why 'Nagel' can be unclear without context. If it is clear that you are talking about the hand, 'Nagel' is often enough. If you want to avoid confusion, 'Fingernagel' is more precise.
Fingernagel
Nach der Arbeit lackiert meine Schwester ihre Fingernägel.
After work, my sister paints her fingernails.
Nagel
Beim Umzug ist mir ein Nagel abgebrochen.
During the move, I broke a nail.
In real life
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