German · Body & Health
"Back" in German: Rücken
der Rücken
Back (body) in German is der Rücken, masculine. Say Mein Rücken tut weh when it hurts. The adverb back as in return is zurück—different word.
At the physio
Mein Rücken tut seit gestern weh.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce Rücken
Say it
RUEK-en
/ˈʁʏkn̩/
RUEK-en. The ü is rounded. Soft -en. Stress the first syllable.
"Back" in German: quick reference
| German | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| der Rücken | the back Body part; masculine. | Body part; masculine. |
| Rückenschmerzen | back pain Very common complaint. | Very common complaint. |
| auf dem Rücken | on one's back Lying position. | Lying position. |
| Rückenfrei | backless (clothing) Fashion adjective. | Fashion adjective. |
How to use Rücken in real life
- 1At the physio
Mein Rücken tut seit gestern weh.
My back has hurt since yesterday.
Mein Rücken tut weh is the set phrase.
- 2At the beach
Kannst du Creme auf meinen Rücken machen?
Can you put lotion on my back?
Meinen Rücken accusative.
- 3Yoga class
Halt den Rücken bitte gerade.
Please keep your back straight.
Den Rücken as object.
Mistakes English speakers make with Rücken
Incorrect: Meine Rücken tut weh.
Correct: Mein Rücken tut weh.
Rücken is masculine: mein Rücken.
Incorrect: Ich gehe Rücken nach Hause.
Correct: Ich gehe zurück nach Hause.
Rücken is the body part; zurück means back/return.
Good to know
Rückenschmerzen is a national small-talk topic after long desk days and bike rides. Pharmacies stock Wärmeplaster; people also joke about bad mattresses more than they admit.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
After moving a sofa upstairs
ChatPal
Alles okay? Dein Rücken?
Everything okay? Your back?
You
Der Rücken meldet sich schon.
My back is already complaining.
ChatPal
Setz dich. Ich hole eine Wärmflasche.
Sit down. I'll get a hot-water bottle.
You
Danke. Morgen schone ich den Rücken.
Thanks. Tomorrow I'll take it easy on my back.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Back" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Back" in German
What gender is Rücken?
Masculine: der Rücken.
How do you say my back hurts?
Mein Rücken tut weh. or Ich habe Rückenschmerzen.
Is zurück the same word?
No. Zurück means back as in return; Rücken is the body part.
How do you say backpack?
Der Rucksack—note the related Rücken root.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
