diaphragm
das Zwerchfell, die Zwerchfelle
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diaphragm
A flat layer of muscle and tendons that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity. It is the most important muscle for breathing.
Beim Einatmen zieht sich das Zwerchfell zusammen und senkt sich.
When you inhale, the diaphragm contracts and moves downward.
to make someone laugh hard
To make someone laugh intensely or for a long time with something very funny.
Die Komikerin strapazierte mit ihren Witzen das Zwerchfell des Publikums.
The comedian made the audience laugh hard with her jokes.
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Zwerchfelle |
| genitive | des Zwerchfelles |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Zwerchfell | die Zwerchfelle |
| accusative | das Zwerchfell | die Zwerchfelle |
| dative | dem Zwerchfell | den Zwerchfellen |
| genitive | des Zwerchfelles des Zwerchfells | der Zwerchfelle |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
When describing muscle movement, typical phrases are „das Zwerchfell anspannen“ (to tense the diaphragm) and „das Zwerchfell entspannen“ (to relax the diaphragm). For a movement that occurs without conscious control, „das Zwerchfell zieht sich zusammen“ (the diaphragm contracts) is also used.
Bei dieser Atemübung spannst du das Zwerchfell bewusst an.
During this breathing exercise, you consciously tense your diaphragm.
In medical descriptions, „oberhalb des Zwerchfells“ (above the diaphragm) and „unterhalb des Zwerchfells“ (below the diaphragm) are frequently used. After „oberhalb“ and „unterhalb“, the genitive is used here.
Die Lunge liegt oberhalb des Zwerchfells.
The lungs are located above the diaphragm.
Der Magen liegt unterhalb des Zwerchfells.
The stomach is located below the diaphragm.
In „das Zwerchfell strapazieren“ (to make someone laugh hard), the cause of the laughter is often the subject, such as a film, a joke, or a person. Whose diaphragm is involved can be expressed with a genitive. The expression is figurative and is also commonly used in entertaining reviews of plays and films.
Die überraschenden Dialoge strapazierten das Zwerchfell der Zuschauer.
The surprising dialogue made the audience laugh hard.
