01
der Nippel
nipple
The nipple in humans or the teat in mammals.
example
Bei Kälte oder Erregung werden die Nippel oft hart.
In cold weather or during arousal, nipples often become hard.
der Nippel
nipple
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clue
The meaning of the word depends entirely on the topic. In the context of the body, anatomy, or clothing, it refers to the nipple. In the context of technology, bicycles, pipes, or machines, it refers to a small connecting part.
EXAMPLE
Das Baby hatte Schwierigkeiten, den Nippel zu finden.
The baby had trouble finding the nipple.
Register
For the nipple, 'Nippel' (nipple) is a common everyday term. It is more direct than medical or more formal terms.
EXAMPLE
Das T-Shirt war so dünn, dass man seine Nippel sehen konnte.
The T-shirt was so thin that you could see his nipples.
Typical collocations
In the technical meaning, 'Nippel' (nipple/connector) is often part of a compound word that describes the function more precisely. Common examples are 'der Speichennippel' (spoke nipple) on a bicycle or 'der Schmiernippel' (grease nipple) on a machine.
EXAMPLE
Der Mechaniker füllte Fett in den Schmiernippel des Gelenks.
The mechanic put grease into the joint's grease nipple.
Compare with
Nippel vs Brustwarze
nipple / teat
'Nippel' and 'Brustwarze' can both refer to the small area in the center of the human breast or chest. 'Brustwarze' is the precise and neutral word for this, especially at the doctor or in factual conversations. 'Nippel' is used colloquially for the nipple, but it can also mean a teat in animals. In addition, 'Nippel' has a completely different meaning in technology: a small connecting or attachment piece. Learners may confuse the words because 'Nippel' is used like 'Brustwarze' in some situations. If you want to speak clearly and neutrally, 'Brustwarze' is usually the better choice.
Nippel
Beim Fahrrad war ein kleiner Nippel an der Speiche locker.
On the bicycle, a small spoke nipple was loose.
Brustwarze
Nach dem Gespräch hat meine Schwester wegen Schmerzen an der Brustwarze einen Arzttermin gemacht.
After the conversation, my sister made a doctor's appointment because of pain in her nipple.
In real life
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