der Nacken
neck / nape
The back part of the neck that connects the head with the torso.
EXAMPLE
Vom langen Arbeiten am Computer habe ich Schmerzen im Nacken.
From working at the computer for so long, I have pain in my neck.
der Nacken
neck / nape
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Meanings
jemandem im Nacken sitzen
to breathe down someone's neck
An idiom meaning that you are under pressure because a deadline is approaching or someone is constantly checking on you or pushing you.
EXAMPLE
Ich muss den Bericht heute fertigstellen, die Deadline sitzt mir im Nacken.
I have to finish the report today; the deadline is breathing down my neck.
Usage tips
Typical collocations
'Nacken' (neck/nape) is often used in connection with pain or tension. Typical phrases are 'Schmerzen im Nacken haben' (to have neck pain) or 'der Nacken ist verspannt' (the neck is tense).
EXAMPLE
Mein Nacken ist vom vielen Sitzen total verspannt.
My neck is completely tense from sitting so much.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'jemandem im Nacken sitzen' (to breathe down someone's neck) means to put someone under pressure or to constantly check on them. The person who is under pressure is in the dative.
EXAMPLE
Mein Chef sitzt mir wegen des Projekts ständig im Nacken.
My boss is constantly breathing down my neck about the project.
Context clue
You can recognize the figurative meaning from the fact that the subject of the sentence is often an abstract thing (e.g., a deadline, fear) or a person who is applying pressure. The literal meaning is illogical here.
EXAMPLE
Die Angst vor der Prüfung sitzt ihm im Nacken.
The fear of the exam is breathing down his neck.
Compare with
Nacken vs Hals
neck / throat
Both words refer to an area between the head and torso. Hals usually means the entire region, while Nacken specifically refers to its back below the back of the head. Hals is suitable for general complaints; when the back specifically is meant, Nacken is more precise.
Nacken
Nach der langen Zugfahrt tat mir der Nacken weh.
After the long train journey, the back of my neck hurt.
Hals
Nach der langen Zugfahrt tat mir der Hals weh.
After the long train journey, my neck hurt.
In real life
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