der Schädel
skull
The bone structure of the head in vertebrates that encloses the brain.
EXAMPLE
Der Arzt untersuchte das Röntgenbild des Schädels auf Frakturen.
The doctor examined the X-ray image of the skull for fractures.
der Schädel
skull
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Meanings
der Schädel
head
Colloquial term for a person's head.
EXAMPLE
Nach der langen Feier brummt mir heute Morgen der Schädel.
After the long party, my head is pounding this morning.
der Schädel
skull
A human skull bone as a symbol of death or danger.
EXAMPLE
Auf dem Giftfläschchen war als Warnung ein Schädel mit gekreuzten Knochen abgebildet.
A skull and crossbones was shown on the poison bottle as a warning.
Usage tips
Context clues
The meaning of 'Schädel' (skull/head) depends strongly on the context. In medicine, it is the bone; colloquially, it means the head (often when in pain); and as an image, it is a symbol of danger.
EXAMPLE
Im Biologieunterricht haben wir einen menschlichen Schädel betrachtet.
In biology class, we looked at a human skull.
Colloquial expressions
Colloquially, 'Schädel' (head) often replaces the word 'Kopf' (head), especially in fixed expressions. If someone says 'mir brummt der Schädel' (my head is pounding), it means they have a bad headache.
EXAMPLE
Nach der langen Prüfung raucht mir der Schädel.
After the long exam, my head is spinning.
Symbol of danger
As a symbol, the skull, often with crossed bones, stands for mortal danger or poison. You find this pictogram on warning signs or packaging for toxic substances.
EXAMPLE
Auf der alten Piratenflagge war ein weißer Schädel abgebildet.
A white skull was shown on the old pirate flag.
Technical usage
In science (medicine, biology, archaeology), 'der Schädel' (the skull) is the neutral and correct term for the bones of the head. It is used in technical terms such as 'Schädelbasisbruch' (basal skull fracture).
EXAMPLE
Der häufigste Unfall bei Fahrradfahrern ohne Helm ist eine Verletzung des Schädels.
The most common accident among cyclists without helmets is an injury to the skull.
Compare with
Schädel vs Kopf
head
Kopf refers neutrally to the entire upper part of the body. Schädel more precisely means the bony structure that protects the brain. In everyday use, Kopf is therefore usually appropriate; in an anatomical examination or when the bones are injured, Schädel is more precise.
Schädel
Das Röntgenbild zeigt einen Bruch im Schädel des Patienten.
The X-ray shows a fracture in the patient's skull.
Kopf
Nach dem Sturz untersucht die Ärztin den Kopf des Patienten.
After the fall, the doctor examines the patient's head.
In real life
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