01
der Oberschenkel
thigh
The part of a human or animal leg located between the knee and the hip.
example
Nach dem Fußballtraining hatte er einen Krampf im Oberschenkel.
After soccer practice, he had a cramp in his thigh.
der Oberschenkel
thigh
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word composition
The word is made up of 'Ober-' and 'Schenkel' (thigh). The prefix 'Ober-' means 'upper part' and makes clear that it refers to the upper section of the leg.
EXAMPLE
Der Oberschenkel hat die stärksten Muskeln im menschlichen Körper.
The thigh has the strongest muscles in the human body.
Word family
The prefix 'Ober-' is often used to name the upper part of body parts. You can also find this pattern in other words, such as 'Oberarm' (upper arm).
EXAMPLE
Beim Sport hat er sich den Oberschenkel und den Oberarm gezerrt.
While doing sports, he strained his thigh and his upper arm.
Correct preposition
Pay attention to the preposition: you say 'im Oberschenkel' (in the thigh) for pain or muscles inside, e.g. sore muscles. You say 'am Oberschenkel' (on the thigh) for something on the surface, e.g. a bruise.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe einen starken Schmerz im Oberschenkel.
I have a strong pain in my thigh.
Compare with
Oberschenkel vs Bein
leg
'das Bein' and 'der Oberschenkel' both belong to the body and have to do with walking, standing, or movement. 'das Bein' means the whole limb, that is, the area from the hip to the foot. 'der Oberschenkel' is only one part of it, namely the area between the hip and the knee. Learners may confuse the words because the thigh is part of the leg. If you are talking generally about pain, movement, or an injury, 'Bein' is often suitable. If you want to say exactly where something is, 'Oberschenkel' is more precise.
Oberschenkel
Beim Fußball hat sich Tom am Oberschenkel verletzt.
Tom injured his thigh while playing soccer.
Bein
Nach dem langen Spaziergang tut mir das rechte Bein weh.
After the long walk, my right leg hurts.
In real life
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