navel
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navel
The small, scar-like depression in the middle of the abdomen that forms after birth when the umbilical cord is cut.
Bei Neugeborenen muss der Nabel besonders sorgfältig gepflegt werden.
In newborns, the navel must be cared for especially carefully.
center of the world
A fixed expression that describes the center or most important hub of something. It is often used ironically for a person who considers themselves extremely important.
Er benimmt sich immer so, als wäre er der Nabel der Welt.
He always behaves as if he were the center of the world.
The word 'Nabel' (navel) is the source of 'Nabelschnur' (umbilical cord). The umbilical cord connects the baby in the mother's womb with the placenta, and the navel is the scar that remains after separation.
Die Hebamme erklärte, wie man die Nabelschnur nach der Geburt pflegt.
The midwife explained how to care for the umbilical cord after birth.
The expression 'der Nabel der Welt' (the center of the world) is often used with verbs like 'sein' (to be) or 'sich halten für' (to consider oneself). It describes a person who believes they are the most important person of all.
Manche Leute halten sich für den Nabel der Welt.
Some people consider themselves the center of the world.
When 'Nabel der Welt' (center of the world) refers to a person, the statement almost always has an ironic or critical meaning. It expresses that the person is egocentric.
Hör auf, dich so aufzuführen! Du bist nicht der Nabel der Welt.
Stop acting like that! You are not the center of the world.
center
Zentrum matter-of-factly refers to a place of particular importance. Der Nabel is used in the fixed expression „der Nabel der Welt“ (the center of the world); it is figurative and often ironic, especially when someone overestimates their own importance.
Der Bürgermeister hält seine Stadt offenbar für den Nabel der Welt.
The mayor apparently thinks his city is the center of the world.
Die Stadt ist ein wichtiges Zentrum für moderne Kunst.
The city is an important center for modern art.
