der Körper
body
The entire physical structure of a human or animal, including all organs, bones, and muscles.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Sport tut mein ganzer Körper weh.
After exercising, my whole body hurts.
der Körper
body
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Meanings
der Körper
torso
The trunk of a human or animal, meaning the central part without the head, arms, and legs.
EXAMPLE
Das T-Shirt ist am Körper sehr eng geschnitten.
The T-shirt is cut very tight around the torso.
der Körper
solid / body
In physics or geometry, an object with a particular shape and mass that occupies space.
EXAMPLE
Ein Würfel ist ein geometrischer Körper.
A cube is a geometric solid.
der Körper
body
In wine, the term for the fullness and intensity of the taste and mouthfeel.
EXAMPLE
Dieser Rotwein hat einen vollen Körper und einen langen Abgang.
This red wine has a full body and a long finish.
der Körper
body
An organized group of people with a shared function, often in a political or institutional context. This meaning is rather rare and formal.
EXAMPLE
Die gesetzgebenden Körper des Staates trafen sich zur Abstimmung.
The state's legislative bodies met for the vote.
Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'der Körper' (body) is the basis for other important words. The adjective 'körperlich' (physical) describes anything related to the body, and the verb 'verkörpern' (to embody) means to represent or symbolize something.
EXAMPLE
Körperliche Arbeit kann sehr anstrengend sein.
Physical work can be very exhausting.
Important prepositions
Pay attention to the prepositions. German uses 'im Körper' (in the body) for things that are inside (e.g., organs), and 'am Körper' (on the body) for things that are on the surface (e.g., clothing, jewelry).
EXAMPLE
Das Herz ist ein wichtiges Organ im Körper.
The heart is an important organ in the body.
Typical collocations
Common expressions are 'auf seinen Körper achten' (to take care of one's body), 'den Körper fit halten' (to keep the body fit), or 'mit dem ganzen Körper zittern' (to tremble with one's whole body).
EXAMPLE
Es ist wichtig, auf seinen Körper zu achten und sich gesund zu ernähren.
It is important to take care of your body and eat healthily.
Context clue
In mathematics or physics, you can recognize this meaning from words like 'geometrisch' (geometric), 'fest' (solid), 'flüssig' (liquid), or 'Himmelskörper' (celestial body). The context here is always scientific or technical.
EXAMPLE
Wasser ist ein flüssiger Körper.
Water is a liquid body.
Wine context clue
When 'Körper' (body) is used in connection with wine, it refers to its taste and fullness. Typical adjectives here are 'voll' (full), 'kräftig' (strong/full-bodied), or 'leicht' (light).
EXAMPLE
Dieser Rotwein hat einen kräftigen Körper.
This red wine has a strong body.
Register
The meaning 'organized group' is very formal and is used almost only in legal or political texts. You will hardly hear this meaning in everyday life.
EXAMPLE
Das Parlament ist der gesetzgebende Körper eines Landes.
Parliament is the legislative body of a country.
Compare with
Körper vs Fleisch
meat / flesh
Körper is the neutral term for the entire physical structure of a person. Fleisch can also refer to the human body, but it often contrasts the body with the mind or soul in a judgmental or religious way, emphasizing physical desires.
Körper
Nach der langen Wanderung braucht der Körper eine Pause.
After the long hike, the body needs a rest.
Fleisch
In der Predigt heißt es, das Fleisch verlange nach Bequemlichkeit.
The sermon says that the flesh longs for comfort.
In real life
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