der Hals
neck
The body part that connects the head with the torso.
EXAMPLE
Sie trägt einen Schal um den Hals, weil es kalt ist.
She is wearing a scarf around her neck because it is cold.
der Hals
neck / throat
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Meanings
der Hals
throat
The front part of the neck, the throat, through which you breathe, swallow, and speak.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe Halsschmerzen und kann kaum schlucken.
I have a sore throat and can hardly swallow.
der Hals
neck
The narrow, upper part of a container, especially a bottle.
EXAMPLE
Der Korken steckte fest im Hals der Weinflasche.
The cork was stuck in the neck of the wine bottle.
Hals- und Beinbruch
break a leg
An expression used to wish someone good luck, especially before an exam or a performance.
EXAMPLE
Vor deiner Fahrprüfung wünsche ich dir Hals- und Beinbruch!
Before your driving test, I wish you the best of luck—break a leg!
etwas in den falschen Hals bekommen
to take something the wrong way
To misunderstand a statement or situation and therefore feel offended or attacked.
EXAMPLE
Das war nur ein Scherz, das hast du völlig in den falschen Hals bekommen.
That was just a joke; you completely took it the wrong way.
Usage tips
Outside vs. inside
The preposition often reveals the meaning. 'Um den Hals' (around the neck) describes the outside (e.g., jewelry, scarf), while 'im Hals' (in the throat) refers to the inside, the throat (e.g., pain, swallowing).
EXAMPLE
Sie trägt eine neue Kette um den Hals.
She is wearing a new necklace around her neck.
Word component
The word 'Hals' (neck/throat) is a common component of compound nouns. Examples include 'Halsschmerzen' (sore throat), 'Halstuch' (neckerchief/scarf), or 'Flaschenhals' (bottleneck).
EXAMPLE
Bei diesem kalten Wind brauchst du ein warmes Halstuch.
In this cold wind, you need a warm scarf.
Figurative expression
The expression 'jemandem um den Hals fallen' means to throw one's arms around someone in joy or relief.
EXAMPLE
Als sie die gute Nachricht hörte, fiel sie ihm überglücklich um den Hals.
When she heard the good news, she threw her arms around him, overjoyed.
Context clue
When 'Hals' (neck) is used in connection with an object such as a bottle or vase, it always refers to the narrow, upper part.
EXAMPLE
Der Wein floss langsam aus dem engen Hals der Karaffe.
The wine flowed slowly out of the narrow neck of the carafe.
Fixed expression
The expression 'Hals- und Beinbruch!' is a fixed wish for success, especially before performances or exams. You simply respond with 'Danke!' (Thank you!).
EXAMPLE
Viel Erfolg bei deinem Konzert heute Abend – Hals- und Beinbruch!
Good luck at your concert tonight—break a leg!
Sentence structure of the expression
In the idiom 'etwas in den falschen Hals bekommen' (to take something the wrong way), the misunderstood thing is the accusative object. The person who misunderstands something is the subject of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Meine Kritik war nicht böse gemeint, das hast du anscheinend in den falschen Hals bekommen.
My criticism was not meant badly; you apparently took it the wrong way.
Compare with
Hals vs Nacken
neck / nape
Both words refer to an area between the head and torso. Hals usually means the entire region, while Nacken specifically refers to its back below the back of the head. Hals is suitable for general complaints; when the back specifically is meant, Nacken is more precise.
Hals
Nach der langen Zugfahrt tat mir der Hals weh.
After the long train journey, my neck hurt.
Nacken
Nach der langen Zugfahrt tat mir der Nacken weh.
After the long train journey, the back of my neck hurt.
In real life
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