01
der Unterkiefer
lower jaw
The lower, movable part of the jaw in vertebrates, which carries the lower teeth.
example
Beim Kauen bewegt sich der Unterkiefer auf und ab.
When chewing, the lower jaw moves up and down.
der Unterkiefer
lower jaw
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Meanings
Usage tips
Compound structure
The word is a compound of the adverb 'unter' (under/lower) and the noun 'der Kiefer' (the jaw). The meaning is therefore literal and easy to understand: the lower part of the jaw.
EXAMPLE
Der Zahnarzt untersuchte den Unterkiefer des Patienten.
The dentist examined the patient's lower jaw.
Productive word element
The prefix 'Unter-' (lower) is often used in anatomy to refer to the lower part of a body part. Other examples of this pattern are 'der Unterarm' (the forearm), 'der Unterschenkel' (the lower leg), or 'die Unterlippe' (the lower lip).
EXAMPLE
Er hat sich beim Sport den Unterarm gebrochen.
He broke his forearm while playing sports.
Register: technical language
'Unterkiefer' (lower jaw) is the correct term in medicine and biology. In everyday language, people might simply say 'Kiefer' (jaw) if the context is clear.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Sturz schmerzte sein ganzer Unterkiefer.
After the fall, his whole lower jaw hurt.
Compare with
Unterkiefer vs Kiefer
jaw
'der Kiefer' and 'der Unterkiefer' are closely related, but they are not the same. 'Der Kiefer' is the general term for the bone area in which the teeth sit. This includes the upper jaw and the lower jaw. 'Der Unterkiefer' is only the lower, movable part. The words can be confused because in everyday language people often simply say 'Kiefer' when they actually mean the lower jaw. If the exact place is important, 'Unterkiefer' is more precise.
Unterkiefer
Beim Röntgenbild sieht man, dass der Unterkiefer nicht verletzt ist.
The X-ray shows that the lower jaw is not injured.
Kiefer
Seit dem Zahnarzttermin fühlt sich ihr Kiefer noch etwas empfindlich an.
Since the dentist appointment, her jaw still feels a little sensitive.
In real life
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