das Handgelenk
wrist
The joint that connects the hand to the forearm.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe mir beim Sturz das Handgelenk verstaucht.
I sprained my wrist when I fell.
das Handgelenk
wrist
das Handgelenk, die Handgelenke
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Meanings
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Handgelenk, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Handgelenke |
| genitive | des Handgelenks |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Handgelenk | die Handgelenke |
| accusative | das Handgelenk | die Handgelenke |
| dative | dem Handgelenk | den Handgelenken |
| genitive | des Handgelenks des Handgelenkes | der Handgelenke |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Word composition
The word is a clear compound of 'die Hand' (hand) and 'das Gelenk' (joint). So it literally refers to the joint that belongs to the hand.
EXAMPLE
Das Handgelenk ist ein sehr komplexes Gelenk.
The wrist is a very complex joint.
Typical collocations
Common verbs related to the wrist refer to injuries or wearing jewelry. Typical phrases are: 'sich das Handgelenk brechen' (to break one's wrist), 'sich das Handgelenk verstauchen' (to sprain one's wrist), or 'eine Uhr am Handgelenk tragen' (to wear a watch on one's wrist).
EXAMPLE
Pass auf, dass du auf dem Eis nicht fällst und dir das Handgelenk brichst.
Be careful not to fall on the ice and break your wrist.
Correct preposition
You use 'am Handgelenk' (on the wrist) when something is on the outside, e.g. a watch. You say 'im Handgelenk' (in the wrist) when you mean pain or movement inside the joint.
EXAMPLE
Er trägt seine Smartwatch am linken Handgelenk.
He wears his smartwatch on his left wrist.
In real life
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