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
mit erhobenem Zeigefinger
with a raised finger
An idiom that describes a lecturing, admonishing, or warning attitude.
EXAMPLE
Er erklärte uns mit erhobenem Zeigefinger, was wir alles falsch gemacht hatten.
He explained to us with a raised finger everything we had done wrong.
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.
In real life
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