01
der Zeigefinger
index finger
The finger between the thumb and the middle finger, often used to point at something.
example
Sie zeigte mit dem Zeigefinger auf die richtige Antwort.
She pointed to the correct answer with her index finger.
der Zeigefinger
index finger
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word composition
The word 'Zeigefinger' (index finger) is a compound of the verb 'zeigen' (to show/point) and the noun 'Finger' (finger). So it is literally the finger with which you point at something.
EXAMPLE
Ein kleines Kind lernt früh, mit dem Zeigefinger auf Dinge zu deuten.
A small child learns early to point at things with their index finger.
Typical use
The most common action connected with this word is 'mit dem Zeigefinger auf etwas zeigen' (to point at something with one's index finger). The preposition 'auf' requires the accusative here.
EXAMPLE
Der Reiseführer zeigte mit dem Zeigefinger auf das historische Gebäude.
The tour guide pointed at the historic building with his index finger.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'mit erhobenem Zeigefinger' (with a raised finger) describes a lecturing or warning way of speaking. In a sentence, the phrase functions as an adverbial that modifies a verb of saying or explaining.
EXAMPLE
Die Lehrerin ermahnte die Schüler mit erhobenem Zeigefinger, leise zu sein.
The teacher admonished the students with a raised finger to be quiet.
Compare with
Zeigefinger vs Finger
finger
'der Finger' and 'der Zeigefinger' both belong to the hand. 'der Finger' is the general word for one of the movable parts at the end of the hand. 'der Zeigefinger' is only one specific finger: the finger between the thumb and the middle finger. The words can be confused because every index finger is a finger. But not every finger is an index finger. If it does not matter which finger is meant, 'Finger' fits. If you specifically mean the finger used for pointing, 'Zeigefinger' is more precise.
Zeigefinger
Anton zeigt mit dem Zeigefinger auf die richtige Antwort.
Anton points to the correct answer with his index finger.
Finger
Beim Kochen habe ich mir in den Finger geschnitten.
I cut my finger while cooking.
In real life
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