01
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
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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
'der Hals' and 'der Nacken' both belong to the area of the body between the head and the upper body. 'Der Hals' is the general term for this whole area and can especially refer to the front. 'Der Nacken' is more specific: it means the back of the neck, where the head and back meet. The words can be confused because the nape is part of the neck area. For a sore throat, swallowing, or speaking, you would more likely say 'Hals'; for tension at the back, you say 'Nacken'.
Hals
Nach dem kalten Wind tut mir der Hals weh.
After the cold wind, my throat hurts.
Nacken
Nach acht Stunden am Computer ist Lenas Nacken ganz verspannt.
After eight hours at the computer, Lena's neck is completely tense.
In real life
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