01
die Kehle
throat
The front part of the neck, which contains the pharynx and windpipe.
example
Er spürte ein Kratzen in der Kehle und musste husten.
He felt a scratchiness in his throat and had to cough.
die Kehle
throat
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Typical collocations
In the literal sense, 'Kehle' (throat) is often connected with physical sensations. Typical phrases are 'eine trockene Kehle haben' (to have a dry throat / be thirsty) or 'ein Kratzen in der Kehle haben' (to have a scratchy throat, as with a cold).
EXAMPLE
Nach dem langen Lauf hatte ich eine total trockene Kehle.
After the long run, my throat was completely dry.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'jemandem schnürt es die Kehle zu' describes a feeling of intense fear, nervousness, or sadness in which one can hardly breathe or speak.
EXAMPLE
Als er die schlechte Nachricht hörte, schnürte es ihm die Kehle zu.
When he heard the bad news, his throat tightened.
Adverbial phrase
The phrase 'aus voller Kehle' functions like an adverb and means 'very loudly' or 'at the top of one's lungs.' It can be combined with verbs like 'singen' (to sing), 'lachen' (to laugh), or 'schreien' (to scream).
EXAMPLE
Die Fans sangen aus voller Kehle die Hymne ihres Vereins.
The fans sang their club's anthem at the top of their lungs.
Compare with
Kehle vs Hals
neck / throat
'der Hals' and 'die Kehle' can both mean the front inner area that you feel when swallowing, breathing, or speaking. 'Der Hals' is much more general and common in everyday language, for example in 'Halsschmerzen' (sore throat). 'Die Kehle' sounds more precise and refers more strongly to the inner front area connected with the voice and breathing. In fixed or figurative expressions, 'Kehle' can also show strong feelings, for example when fear makes your throat feel tight. The words can be confused because both areas are close together. In normal conversation, 'Hals' is often more natural; 'Kehle' is more precise or somewhat more figurative.
Kehle
Vor der Präsentation war seine Kehle so trocken, dass er kaum sprechen konnte.
Before the presentation, his throat was so dry that he could barely speak.
Hals
Seit gestern kratzt mein Hals, deshalb trinke ich warmen Tee.
My throat has been scratchy since yesterday, so I’m drinking warm tea.
In real life
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