der Mittelfinger
middle finger
The third and longest finger of the human hand, located between the index finger and the ring finger.
EXAMPLE
Er verletzte sich beim Sport am Mittelfinger.
He injured his middle finger while playing sports.
der Mittelfinger
middle finger
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Meanings
den Mittelfinger zeigen
to give the finger
To make a very insulting gesture in which you hold up your extended middle finger toward someone.
EXAMPLE
Der andere Fahrer wurde wütend, überholte mich und zeigte mir den Mittelfinger.
The other driver got angry, overtook me, and gave me the finger.
Usage tips
Word composition
The word is built very logically. It consists of 'Mittel-' (middle), which describes the position in the center, and 'Finger' (finger). So it is literally the finger in the middle of the hand.
EXAMPLE
Der Ring passt nur an meinen Mittelfinger.
The ring only fits on my middle finger.
Fixed expression
The insulting gesture is always expressed with the verb 'zeigen' (to show). The structure is fixed: 'jemandem (dative) den Mittelfinger (accusative) zeigen' (to give someone the finger).
EXAMPLE
Er war so wütend, dass er dem anderen Fahrer den Mittelfinger zeigte.
He was so angry that he gave the other driver the finger.
Context clue
You can tell from the verb whether the finger as a body part or the gesture is meant. Medical or neutral verbs like 'sich brechen' (to break) or 'bewegen' (to move) refer to the finger. The verb 'zeigen' (to show) in a conflict refers to the gesture.
EXAMPLE
Ich kann meinen Mittelfinger nach der Verletzung kaum bewegen.
I can hardly move my middle finger after the injury.
In real life
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