der Knopf
button
A small, usually round part on clothing that is used for fastening by being pushed through a buttonhole.
EXAMPLE
Mir ist ein Knopf vom Hemd abgefallen.
A button fell off my shirt.
der Knopf
button
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Meanings
der Knopf
button
A switch on a device or machine that you press to trigger a function or operate the device.
EXAMPLE
Drück den grünen Knopf, um den Computer einzuschalten.
Press the green button to turn on the computer.
der Knopf
clitoris
A colloquial, casual term for the clitoris.
EXAMPLE
In der Sexualaufklärung wird auch die Anatomie der Frau, einschließlich des sogenannten „Knopfes“, erklärt.
In sex education, female anatomy is also explained, including the so-called 'button'.
Usage tips
Fixed expression
The expression 'auf Knopfdruck' (at the push of a button) is very common. It means that something works immediately, automatically, or very easily.
EXAMPLE
Die Kaffeemaschine macht auf Knopfdruck einen perfekten Espresso.
The coffee machine makes a perfect espresso at the push of a button.
Context clue
The verb reveals the meaning: a button on a device is normally 'gedrückt' (pressed). A button on clothing is 'angenäht' (sewn on), 'zugeknöpft' (buttoned up), or it 'fällt ab' (falls off).
EXAMPLE
Du musst den roten Knopf drücken, um die Maschine zu stoppen.
You have to press the red button to stop the machine.
Typical verbs
In connection with clothing, the verbs 'annähen' (to sew on), 'abreißen' (to tear off), or 'abfallen' (to fall off) are typical. The corresponding actions are called 'zuknöpfen' (to button up/close) and 'aufknöpfen' (to unbutton/open).
EXAMPLE
Er knöpfte sein Hemd bis ganz nach oben zu.
He buttoned his shirt all the way to the top.
Typical collocations
For devices, people often talk about the 'Startknopf' (start button), 'Notknopf' (emergency button), or 'roter Knopf' (red button). The typical actions are 'einen Knopf drücken' (to press a button) or sometimes also 'einen Knopf drehen' (to turn a knob).
EXAMPLE
Im Notfall drücken Sie bitte den großen roten Knopf.
In an emergency, please press the large red button.
Register: colloquial
This meaning for the clitoris is very colloquial and casual. This expression is not used in formal, medical, or scientific contexts.
EXAMPLE
In dem Aufklärungsbuch für Jugendliche wurde auch der Begriff „Knopf“ erklärt.
The sex education book for teenagers also explained the term 'Knopf' (button).
Compare with
Knopf vs Button
button
Knopf and Button can both refer to a control that triggers an action. Knopf is mainly used for a physical part that you press, while Button usually refers to a clickable button on a user interface. In some contexts, Knopf can also refer to a virtual element.
Knopf
Drück bitte den roten Knopf am Gerät, damit die Maschine startet.
Please press the red button on the device so that the machine starts.
Button
Klick bitte auf den roten Button in der App, damit der Vorgang startet.
Please click the red button in the app so that the process starts.
In real life
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