01
die Kuppe
crest
The rounded summit of a hill or mountain.
example
Von der Kuppe des Hügels hatten wir eine fantastische Aussicht.
From the crest of the hill, we had a fantastic view.
die Kuppe
crest / fingertip
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 02
Usage tips
Two clear contexts
You can always recognize the meaning of 'Kuppe' (crest / fingertip) from the context. If it is about geography, such as 'Berg' (mountain) or 'Hügel' (hill), it means the summit. If it is about the body, such as 'Finger' (finger) or 'Zeh' (toe), it means the soft tip.
EXAMPLE
Wir wanderten bis zur Kuppe des Berges.
We hiked up to the crest of the mountain.
Place and direction
When talking about the summit of a hill, the preposition is important. 'Auf der Kuppe' (on the crest, dative) describes a location, while 'auf die Kuppe' (onto the crest, accusative) indicates a direction.
EXAMPLE
Auf der Kuppe stand eine kleine Hütte.
There was a small hut on the crest.
Typical collocations
In connection with fingers or toes, 'Kuppe' (tip) is often used in phrases that describe touching something or a small injury.
EXAMPLE
Er spürte den feinen Stoff mit seinen Fingerkuppen.
He felt the fine fabric with his fingertips.
Compare with
Kuppe vs Spitze
tip / top / lace
'die Spitze' and 'die Kuppe' can both mean the upper part of a mountain or hill. 'die Spitze' emphasizes the highest point and can also suggest a rather pointed or clearly defined peak. 'die Kuppe', on the other hand, is rounded and gently shaped, especially with hills. Learners may confuse the words because both are located at the top of an elevation. If the shape is round, 'Kuppe' fits better. If you simply mean the highest point, 'Spitze' is more general.
Kuppe
Hinter der Kuppe des Hügels lag ein kleines Dorf.
Behind the crest of the hill lay a small village.
Spitze
Am Nachmittag standen wir endlich auf der Spitze des Berges.
In the afternoon, we finally stood on the peak of the mountain.
In real life
Loading video examples...