01
der Rumpf
torso
The body of a human or animal without the head and limbs; the torso.
example
Beim Turnen wird besonders die Muskulatur im Rumpf gestärkt.
In gymnastics, the muscles in the torso are strengthened in particular.
der Rumpf
torso / hull
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Meanings
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Usage tips
The core idea
The basic idea of 'Rumpf' is the same in all meanings: it is the central main part of something, without the outer, protruding parts such as arms, wings, or masts.
EXAMPLE
Vom alten Schloss steht nur noch der Rumpf.
Only the main structure of the old castle is still standing.
Common in compounds
To make the meaning more precise, 'Rumpf' is often used as part of compound words, for example 'Schiffsrumpf' (ship's hull), 'Flugzeugrumpf' (aircraft fuselage), or 'Rumpfmannschaft' (a skeleton crew or incomplete team).
EXAMPLE
Der Flugzeugrumpf muss extrem stabil sein.
The aircraft fuselage has to be extremely stable.
Sports and anatomy context
In the meaning 'Torso' (torso), the word is mainly used in the areas of sports, fitness, and medicine. Typical expressions are 'den Rumpf trainieren' (to train the torso/core) or 'die Rumpfmuskulatur' (the core muscles).
EXAMPLE
Eine starke Rumpfmuskulatur ist wichtig für eine gute Haltung.
Strong core muscles are important for good posture.
Context for 'remnant'
When 'Rumpf' describes an incomplete remainder, this is often signaled by words such as 'nur noch' (only still/only left) or 'übrig bleiben' (to be left over/remain). It often has a negative connotation, suggesting that something is no longer fully functional.
EXAMPLE
Nach den Kündigungen ist von der Abteilung nur noch ein Rumpf übrig geblieben.
After the resignations, only a remnant of the department was left.
Compare with
Rumpf vs Körper
body
'der Körper' and 'der Rumpf' can both be used to talk about the human or animal body. 'der Körper' usually means the whole physical body. Sometimes it can also refer to the central part without the head, arms, and legs. 'der Rumpf' means exactly this central part, the torso. The words can be confused because 'Körper' can have a narrower meaning in some contexts. If you are talking generally about a person or animal, use 'Körper'. If you mean specifically the part between the neck and the legs, 'Rumpf' is more precise.
Rumpf
Beim Schwimmen bleibt der Rumpf möglichst ruhig, während die Arme arbeiten.
When swimming, the torso stays as still as possible while the arms work.
Körper
Im Park hat sie nach dem Sport den ganzen Körper gedehnt.
In the park, she stretched her whole body after exercising.
In real life
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