das Händchen
little hand
A small hand, especially a child's hand.
EXAMPLE
Das Baby streckte sein Händchen nach dem Spielzeug aus.
The baby reached out its little hand toward the toy.
das Händchen
little hand / knack
das Händchen, die Händchen
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Meanings
ein Händchen für
a knack for
To have particular skill or a good instinct for something.
EXAMPLE
Sie hat ein gutes Händchen für schwierige Gespräche.
She has a knack for handling difficult conversations.
Händchen halten
to hold hands
To hold each other's hands, usually as a sign of closeness or affection.
EXAMPLE
Das junge Paar saß auf der Bank und hielt Händchen.
The young couple sat on the bench and held hands.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Händchen, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Händchen |
| genitive | des Händchens |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Händchen | die Händchen |
| accusative | das Händchen | die Händchen |
| dative | dem Händchen | den Händchen |
| genitive | des Händchens | der Händchen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Word formation
'Händchen' (little hand) consists of 'Hand' (hand) and the suffix '-chen'. '-chen' makes the word diminutive or more affectionate, so 'Händchen' (little hand) can sound especially tender.
EXAMPLE
Die Mutter nahm das Händchen ihres Kindes und führte es über die Straße.
The mother took her child's little hand and led them across the street.
Fixed preposition
In the expression 'ein Händchen für' (a knack for), 'für' takes the accusative case. 'Händchen' is often preceded by modifiers such as 'ein gutes' (a good), 'ein besonderes' (a particular), or 'ein feines' (a fine).
EXAMPLE
Er hat ein besonderes Händchen für die Gestaltung kleiner Räume.
He has a particular knack for designing small spaces.
Fixed expression
'Händchen halten' (to hold hands) is a fixed expression. The noun is usually used without an article, and the expression typically describes a visible gesture of closeness or affection.
EXAMPLE
Auf dem Spaziergang hielten die beiden die ganze Zeit Händchen.
The two of them held hands throughout their walk.
In real life
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