muscle
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muscle
An organ made of contractile tissue in the body of humans and animals that enables movement by tensing and relaxing.
Nach dem intensiven Training schmerzte ihm jeder Muskel.
After the intense workout, every muscle in his body hurt.
muscle / power
In a figurative sense (usually in the plural): physical force, strength, or also power and influence.
Das Land ließ seine militärischen Muskeln spielen, um die Nachbarstaaten einzuschüchtern.
The country flexed its military muscles to intimidate the neighboring states.
Other useful words are derived from 'Muskel' (muscle). These include the adjective 'muskulös' (muscular, with strong muscles) and the noun 'der Muskelkater' (muscle soreness after exercise).
Er ist sehr muskulös, weil er jeden Tag trainiert.
He is very muscular because he trains every day.
In connection with the body, 'Muskel' (muscle) is often used with verbs like 'trainieren' (to train), 'aufbauen' (to build up), 'anspannen' (to tense), or 'dehnen' (to stretch). A common result of exertion is that the muscles hurt.
Vor dem Sport sollte man die Muskeln gut dehnen.
Before exercising, you should stretch your muscles well.
The figurative meaning of 'Macht' (power) or 'Stärke' (strength) is almost always used in the plural ('die Muskeln'). The fixed expression is 'die Muskeln spielen lassen', which means to demonstrate one's power or strength.
Die Firma lässt ihre wirtschaftlichen Muskeln spielen.
The company is flexing its economic muscles.
musculature
Der Muskel refers to a single organ that enables movement. Die Muskulatur, by contrast, refers to several muscles of a person or of a specific body part as a whole. When talking about a specific muscle, Muskel is appropriate; for the body’s entire muscle system, Muskulatur is more precise.
Nach dem Training schmerzt der Muskel in meinem rechten Arm.
After the workout, the muscle in my right arm hurts.
Nach dem Training fühlt sich die Muskulatur in meinem rechten Arm müde an.
After the workout, the muscles in my right arm feel tired.
