01
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
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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
'der Hals' and 'der Nacken' both belong to the area of the body between the head and the upper body. 'Der Hals' is the general term for this whole area and can especially refer to the front. 'Der Nacken' is more specific: it means the back of the neck, where the head and back meet. The words can be confused because the nape is part of the neck area. For a sore throat, swallowing, or speaking, you would more likely say 'Hals'; for tension at the back, you say 'Nacken'.
Nacken
Nach acht Stunden am Computer ist Lenas Nacken ganz verspannt.
After eight hours at the computer, Lena's neck is completely tense.
Hals
Nach dem kalten Wind tut mir der Hals weh.
After the cold wind, my throat hurts.
In real life
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