check mark / small hook
das Häkchen, die Häkchen
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check mark
A small symbol (✓) used to mark something, for example a selection in a list, a completed task, or a correct answer.
Setz bitte ein Häkchen in das Kästchen, wenn du die AGB gelesen hast.
Please put a check mark in the box if you have read the terms and conditions.
small hook
A small hook, meaning a small, curved piece of metal or plastic used for hanging or attaching light objects.
Die Jacke hing nur noch an einem kleinen Häkchen an der Wand.
The jacket was hanging only on a small hook on the wall.
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Häkchen |
| genitive | des Häkchens |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Häkchen | die Häkchen |
| accusative | das Häkchen | die Häkchen |
| dative | dem Häkchen | den Häkchen |
| genitive | des Häkchens | der Häkchen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
'Häkchen' (check mark / small hook) is the diminutive form of 'der Haken' (hook). So it literally means 'small hook,' which explains both meanings of the word: the symbol (✓) and the small object used for hanging things.
Kannst du die Kette bitte an das kleine Häkchen an der Decke hängen?
Can you please hang the necklace on the small hook on the ceiling?
You can tell from context whether the symbol (✓) or a small hook is meant. Words like 'Kästchen' (box), 'Liste' (list), or 'Formular' (form) point to the symbol, while words like 'Wand' (wall), 'aufhängen' (to hang up), or 'Tür' (door) refer to the object.
Ich habe hinter jede erledigte Aufgabe ein Häkchen gemacht.
I put a check mark after every completed task.
In the meaning of 'symbol,' 'Häkchen' (check mark) is almost always used with the verb 'setzen' (to put/place). You 'setzt ein Häkchen' (put a check mark) in a box or after an item on a list.
Bitte setzen Sie ein Häkchen, um die Bedingungen zu akzeptieren.
Please put a check mark to accept the terms.
When referring to the small hook as an object, it is often used with verbs like 'hängen' (to hang) or 'aufhängen' (to hang up) and the preposition 'an' (+ dative).
Meine Kette hängt an einem silbernen Häkchen.
My necklace is hanging on a silver hook.
hook / catch
Der Haken and das Häkchen can both refer to a mark used to indicate a selection or a completed task. Häkchen emphasizes the small size and is especially common in this sense, while Haken is the general term. So Häkchen is usually the better choice for a small ✓.
Setzen Sie in dem kleinen Kästchen ein Häkchen, um die Auswahl zu bestätigen.
Put a check mark in the small box to confirm your selection.
Setzen Sie auf der Liste einen Haken hinter die erledigte Aufgabe.
Put a check mark on the list after the completed task.
