der Kiefer
jaw
The bone in the face of humans and animals in which the teeth sit. A distinction is made between the upper jaw and the lower jaw.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Unfall hatte er einen gebrochenen Kiefer.
After the accident, he had a broken jaw.
der Kiefer
jaw
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
Usage tips
Context clue
There are two words spelled 'Kiefer'. 'Der Kiefer' (masculine) is the bone in the mouth. 'Die Kiefer' (feminine) is a conifer/pine tree. The article and the context help distinguish between them.
EXAMPLE
Der Zahnarzt untersuchte meinen Kiefer.
The dentist examined my jaw.
Word formation
To be more precise, 'Kiefer' (jaw) is often combined with 'Ober-' (upper) and 'Unter-' (lower). This forms the words 'der Oberkiefer' (the upper jaw) and 'der Unterkiefer' (the lower jaw).
EXAMPLE
Die meisten Zähne befinden sich im Unterkiefer.
Most teeth are located in the lower jaw.
Typical collocations
In connection with the jaw as a body part, you often hear about injuries or medical treatments. Typical verbs are 'brechen' (to break), 'operieren' (to operate on), or 'schmerzen' (to hurt).
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Boxkampf schmerzte ihm der Kiefer.
After the boxing match, his jaw hurt.
In real life
Loading video examples...