01
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
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Meanings
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.
Compare with
Handgelenk vs Puls
pulse
'der Puls' and 'das Handgelenk' are connected in a typical situation: you often feel the pulse at the wrist. Still, they do not mean the same thing. The pulse is the perceptible movement of blood caused by the heartbeat. The wrist is the body part between the hand and the forearm. Learners may confuse the words because you often touch the wrist when measuring someone's pulse. Memory tip: the pulse is what you feel; the wrist is the place where you often feel it.
Handgelenk
Beim Training hat sich Anna das Handgelenk verletzt.
Anna injured her wrist during training.
Puls
Die Krankenschwester fühlt den Puls, bevor sie den Blutdruck misst.
The nurse feels the pulse before measuring the blood pressure.
In real life
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