backrest / armrest
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backrest
The part of a chair, sofa, or bench that serves to support the back.
Die Lehne dieses Bürostuhls ist ergonomisch geformt und stützt den Lendenbereich.
The backrest of this office chair is ergonomically shaped and supports the lumbar region.
The noun 'die Lehne' (backrest/armrest) is closely related to the verb 'sich lehnen' (to lean). A Lehne is therefore the part of a piece of furniture that you lean on or against.
Lehn dich doch zurück, die Lehne ist sehr bequem.
Lean back, the backrest is very comfortable.
The word 'Lehne' (backrest/armrest) by itself can mean either the backrest or the armrest. To avoid misunderstandings, the more precise words 'Rückenlehne' (backrest) or 'Armlehne' (armrest) are often used in everyday language.
Die Lehne dieses Stuhls ist mir etwas zu niedrig.
The backrest of this chair is a little too low for me.
When describing the action, you use the reflexive verb 'sich lehnen' (to lean) together with a preposition such as 'an' or 'gegen' (on/against), followed by the accusative.
Er lehnte seinen Kopf müde gegen die Lehne des Sessels.
He tiredly leaned his head against the backrest of the armchair.
When 'Lehne' (backrest) refers to the backrest, typical verbs are 'verstellen' (to adjust), 'zurückklappen' (to fold back/recline), or 'sich zurücklehnen' (to lean back). They describe adjusting the sitting position.
Bei diesem Autositz kann man die Lehne elektrisch verstellen.
In this car seat, you can adjust the backrest electrically.
back
'der Rücken' and 'die Lehne' often occur together, but they do not mean the same thing. 'der Rücken' is a body part or the back side of an object. 'die Lehne' is the part of a chair, sofa, or bench that you rest your back against. Learners may confuse the words because German also has the word 'Rückenlehne' (backrest). In practical terms: der Rücken belongs to the person; die Lehne belongs to the furniture.
Die Lehne des alten Stuhls ist locker und wackelt.
The backrest of the old chair is loose and wobbles.
Im Zug lehnt Tom seinen Rücken vorsichtig an.
On the train, Tom carefully leans back.