der Handrücken
back of the hand
The outer surface of the hand, opposite the palm, where the knuckles are visible.
EXAMPLE
Auf dem Handrücken hat sich ein blauer Fleck gebildet.
A bruise had formed on the back of his hand.
der Handrücken
back of the hand
der Handrücken, die Handrücken
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Meanings
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Handrücken, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Handrücken |
| genitive | des Handrückens |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Handrücken | die Handrücken |
| accusative | den Handrücken | die Handrücken |
| dative | dem Handrücken | den Handrücken |
| genitive | des Handrückens | der Handrücken |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Compound word
'Handrücken' (back of the hand) is made up of 'Hand' (hand) and 'Rücken' (back). It therefore refers to the back part of the hand.
EXAMPLE
Er wischte sich den Schweiß mit dem Handrücken von der Stirn.
He wiped the sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand.
Preposition 'auf'
For visible features, injuries, or tattoos, the phrase 'auf dem Handrücken' (on the back of the hand) is frequently used. The preposition describes the surface of the hand.
EXAMPLE
Auf dem Handrücken war noch die Spur des Stempels zu sehen.
The mark from the stamp was still visible on the back of his hand.
Typical collocations
Common collocations include 'Adern auf dem Handrücken' (veins on the back of the hand), 'eine Wunde am Handrücken' (a wound on the back of the hand), and 'eine Tätowierung auf dem Handrücken' (a tattoo on the back of the hand). The word is especially common in descriptions of the body or injuries.
EXAMPLE
Die Adern auf dem Handrücken traten nach dem Sport deutlich hervor.
The veins on the back of his hand became clearly visible after exercising.
In real life
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