01
der Henkel
handle
A usually curved handle on a container such as a cup, pot, or bag, used for gripping and carrying it.
example
Vorsicht, der Henkel der Kanne ist heiß!
Careful, the handle of the pot is hot!
der Henkel
handle
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
Usage tips
Word family
The word 'Henkel' (handle) is related to the verb 'hängen' (to hang). A 'Henkel' is a handle by which you can hold or hang up a container.
EXAMPLE
Er hängte den Eimer am Henkel über den Brunnenrand.
He hung the bucket by its handle over the edge of the well.
Correct preposition
To describe holding a container by the handle, the preposition 'an' is used with the dative. A typical phrase is 'etwas am Henkel fassen' (to grasp something by the handle).
EXAMPLE
Bitte fasse die heiße Tasse nur am Henkel an.
Please only hold the hot cup by the handle.
Typical collocations
A 'Henkel' (handle) is typical of certain objects. People often talk about the handle of a cup, a basket, a bucket, or a bag.
EXAMPLE
Der Henkel meiner Lieblingstasse ist leider abgebrochen.
Unfortunately, the handle of my favorite cup broke off.
Compare with
Henkel vs Griff
handle / grip
'der Griff' and 'der Henkel' both refer to a part that you can hold or carry something by. 'Griff' is the more general word and fits many things, for example doors, knives, suitcases, or tools. 'Henkel' is more specific: it is usually curved and is found on things like cups, pots, buckets, or bags. Learners may confuse the words because a 'Henkel' is also a kind of 'Griff'. Memory tip: every 'Henkel' is a 'Griff', but not every 'Griff' is a 'Henkel'.
Henkel
Der Henkel meiner Tasse ist beim Spülen abgebrochen.
The handle of my cup broke off while I was washing it.
Griff
Der Griff des Messers liegt gut in der Hand.
The handle of the knife feels good in the hand.
In real life
Loading video examples...