das Hinterteil
backside
A person's buttocks or the rear part of an animal's body.
EXAMPLE
Das Kind ist beim Spielen auf sein Hinterteil gefallen.
The child fell on his backside while playing.
das Hinterteil
backside / rear
das Hinterteil, die Hinterteile
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Meanings
das Hinterteil
rear / back part
The rear area or back side of an object, vehicle, or building.
EXAMPLE
Das Hinterteil des Busses war mit Graffiti beschmiert.
The rear of the bus was smeared with graffiti.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Hinterteil, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Hinterteile |
| genitive | des Hinterteiles |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Hinterteil | die Hinterteile |
| accusative | das Hinterteil | die Hinterteile |
| dative | dem Hinterteil | den Hinterteilen |
| genitive | des Hinterteiles des Hinterteils | der Hinterteile |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Compound word
The word is a clear compound of 'hinter' (behind) and 'Teil' (part). So it literally refers to the part that is at the back.
EXAMPLE
Der Hund wedelte mit seinem ganzen Hinterteil.
The dog wagged its whole rear end.
Context clue
You can always tell which meaning is intended from the context. If people are talking about a person or an animal, it means the buttocks or rear end. If they are talking about an object, it means its back side.
EXAMPLE
Er hat sich beim Sport am Hinterteil verletzt.
He injured his backside while playing sports.
Das Hinterteil des Schrankes ist aus dünnerem Holz.
The back part of the cabinet is made of thinner wood.
Register
In the meaning 'Gesäß' (buttocks), 'Hinterteil' (backside) is often used as a somewhat childish or mildly formal paraphrase. It is not as direct as 'Arsch' (ass/arse) and not as medical as 'Gesäß' (buttocks).
EXAMPLE
Der kleine Junge bekam einen liebevollen Klaps auf das Hinterteil.
The little boy got an affectionate pat on the backside.
Compare with
Hinterteil vs Arsch
ass / asshole
Arsch and Hinterteil can both refer to a person's buttocks. Arsch is strongly vulgar and often sounds especially coarse or emotional. Hinterteil is more neutral and is suitable when speaking about the same body part in an objective or polite way.
Hinterteil
Nach dem Sturz erklärte der Mann ruhig, dass ihm das Hinterteil wehtat.
After the fall, the man calmly explained that his backside hurt.
Arsch
Nach dem Sturz fluchte der Mann laut, dass ihm der Arsch wehtat.
After the fall, the man loudly swore that his ass hurt.
In real life
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