01
der Schenkel
thigh
The upper part of a human or animal leg, located between the hip and the knee.
example
Nach der langen Wanderung schmerzten ihm die Schenkel.
After the long hike, his thighs hurt.
der Schenkel
thigh / leg / side
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
In German, a distinction is often made between 'Oberschenkel' (thigh, the part between hip and knee) and 'Unterschenkel' (lower leg, the part between knee and foot). When people just say 'Schenkel' (thigh/leg), they usually mean the thigh.
EXAMPLE
Er hat sich beim Fußball den Oberschenkel gezerrt.
He pulled his thigh muscle while playing soccer.
Context clues
You can easily recognize the meaning of 'Schenkel' from the context. In connection with the body, sports, or pain, it refers to the leg. With food, it refers to meat; in mathematics, to geometry; and with objects, to their side parts.
EXAMPLE
Die beiden Schenkel des Winkels sind 5 cm lang.
The two sides of the angle are 5 cm long.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'sich auf die Schenkel klopfen' means that someone laughs very loudly and heartily. It is a figurative expression for great amusement.
EXAMPLE
Der Witz war so gut, dass sich alle auf die Schenkel klopften.
The joke was so good that everyone slapped their thighs laughing.
Typical collocations
In a culinary context, 'Schenkel' (leg) is almost always combined with the type of animal. Typical dishes are 'Hähnchenschenkel' (chicken leg), 'Putenschenkel' (turkey leg), or 'Lammschenkel' (leg of lamb).
EXAMPLE
Im Ofen braten schon die Putenschenkel für das Abendessen.
The turkey legs for dinner are already roasting in the oven.
Compare with
Schenkel vs Seite
page / side
'die Seite' and 'der Schenkel' can both refer to something on the side, but they are not used in the same way. 'Seite' is a general word for an area to the left or right of a center. 'Schenkel' is much more specific: in geometry, it means a line that forms an angle together with a second line, and with objects it can mean a lateral, arm-like part, for example on a pair of glasses. Learners may confuse the words when talking about shapes or objects. For normal directions, you say 'Seite'; 'Schenkel' only fits with certain body parts, shapes, or objects.
Schenkel
Beim Einkaufen ist ihr der Schenkel der Brille abgebrochen.
While shopping, the arm of her glasses broke off.
Seite
Nach dem Sport legt sie die Tasche auf die rechte Seite der Bank.
After exercising, she puts the bag on the right side of the bench.
In real life
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