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A1 noun #3,500 most common 9 min read

Brust

Top 3,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips Brust in 30 Seconds

Explanation Brust in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'Brust' is taught as a basic body part. You should know that it means 'chest' and is a feminine noun (die Brust). You will use it to describe where you have pain at the doctor or to identify parts of the body. It is often introduced alongside 'der Kopf' (head), 'der Bauch' (stomach), and 'der Rücken' (back). At this stage, focusing on the simple singular form and its use in sentences like 'Meine Brust tut weh' is sufficient. You might also encounter it in food contexts, like 'Hähnchenbrust' (chicken breast), which is a common item to learn when studying food and shopping. The plural 'Brüste' is usually not emphasized at A1 to avoid confusion.

At A2, you expand your use of 'Brust' to include sports and health. You will learn 'Brustschwimmen' (breaststroke) as a common hobby. In health contexts, you'll learn to describe symptoms more accurately, such as 'Druck auf der Brust' (pressure on the chest). You also begin to see compound words like 'Brustkorb' (rib cage) in basic biological descriptions. You should be comfortable using 'Brust' with different prepositions like 'auf', 'in', and 'an', and understanding how the cases (accusative vs. dative) work with these 'Wechselpräpositionen'. For example, 'Er legt die Hand auf die Brust' (accusative - movement) vs. 'Die Hand liegt auf der Brust' (dative - position).

At the B1 level, 'Brust' appears in more idiomatic and metaphorical expressions. You will learn phrases like 'Brust raus' (show confidence) and 'aus voller Brust' (with conviction). You'll also encounter the word in more complex texts, such as news reports about medical breakthroughs (e.g., 'Brustkrebsvorsorge' - breast cancer screening) or sports commentary. Your understanding of the word should now include its use in describing emotions and character traits. You should be able to distinguish between 'Brust' and 'Busen' and know when to use each based on the register of the conversation.

By B2, you should be familiar with the literary and historical nuances of 'Brust'. You will see it in classical German literature (Goethe, Schiller) where it represents the internal emotional world. You should also understand more specialized culinary terms like 'Rinderbrust' or 'Entenbrust' and how they are prepared in German-speaking cultures. In professional contexts, particularly if you work in healthcare or fitness, you will use technical compounds like 'Brustmuskulatur' (chest muscles) or 'Brustwirbelsäule' (thoracic spine). Your ability to use the word in abstract discussions about courage or identity (e.g., 'sich in die Brust werfen') should be well-developed.

At the C1 level, you explore the subtle connotations and stylistic uses of 'Brust'. You can analyze how authors use the word to create atmosphere or to signal a character's internal struggle. You understand the historical development of the word and its cognates in other Germanic languages. You are comfortable using 'Brust' in highly formal medical or scientific discussions, as well as in nuanced poetic analysis. You also recognize rare idioms and can use them appropriately in sophisticated conversation. Your grasp of the word's multifaceted nature allows you to switch between its anatomical, culinary, and metaphorical meanings effortlessly.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'Brust' is near-native. You understand all its archaic, dialectal, and highly specialized meanings. You can discuss the etymology of the word from Old High German 'brust' and its relationship to the verb 'bersten' (to burst). You are aware of how the word is used in regional dialects across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. In academic writing, you can use the word in complex anatomical or psychological contexts. You can also appreciate and produce puns or wordplay involving 'Brust' in sophisticated humor or advertising. Your understanding is deep enough to catch even the most subtle cultural or historical references involving the word.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

Brust in 30 Seconds

Brust means chest or breast in German.
It is a feminine noun: die Brust.
Commonly used for body parts, food, and swimming.
The plural 'Brüste' usually refers to female breasts.

The German word Brust is a multifaceted noun that primarily translates to 'chest' or 'breast' in English. At its most fundamental level, it refers to the upper front part of the human body between the neck and the abdomen. In a medical or anatomical context, it encompasses the rib cage and the organs contained within, such as the heart and lungs. However, its usage extends far beyond simple anatomy.

Anatomical Chest: In everyday language, 'Brust' is used to describe the general chest area of any person, regardless of gender. For example, if someone has a cough, they might say their chest hurts: 'Meine Brust tut weh.'

Der Arzt horcht die Brust des Patienten ab.

Beyond the human body, 'Brust' is frequently encountered in the culinary world. When you are at a supermarket or a restaurant, you will see 'Hähnchenbrust' (chicken breast) or 'Entenbrust' (duck breast). Here, it refers to the meat from the pectoral muscle of the bird.

Culinary Usage: When ordering food, 'Brust' is the standard term for the white meat of poultry. It is considered a lean and desirable cut.

Ich hätte gerne die gebratene Entenbrust mit Rotkohl.

Furthermore, 'Brust' is used metaphorically to represent the seat of emotions, much like 'heart' or 'bosom' in English. Phrases like 'aus voller Brust' (with all one's heart/at the top of one's lungs) highlight this emotional depth. It is where one feels pride, sorrow, or courage. In sports, specifically swimming, 'Brust' refers to the breaststroke ('Brustschwimmen'). This is one of the most common styles taught to beginners in Germany.

Emotional Seat: Poets often use 'Brust' to describe where feelings reside. 'Zwei Seelen wohnen, ach! in meiner Brust' is a famous quote by Goethe, meaning two souls live in my chest/heart.

Er sang das Lied aus voller Brust.

Das Kind liegt an der Brust der Mutter.

In summary, 'Brust' is an essential A1 word that covers physical anatomy, food, sports, and deep literary emotions. Understanding its gender and the distinction between its singular and plural forms is key for any learner.

Using Brust correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a feminine noun and its typical prepositional companions. In the nominative case, it is 'die Brust'. In the dative case (often used for location), it becomes 'der Brust'. For example, 'auf der Brust' (on the chest).

Subject/Object usage: When it is the subject: 'Die Brust ist breit.' (The chest is broad). When it is the direct object: 'Er trainiert seine Brust.' (He trains his chest).

Sie hat Schmerzen in der Brust.

When describing physical posture, 'Brust' is used to indicate confidence. 'Brust raus!' (Chest out!) is a common command to stand up straight and show confidence. Conversely, a 'schwache Brust' (weak chest) can figuratively mean someone lacks stamina or courage.

Compound Words: German loves compounds. 'Brustkorb' (chest cage/rib cage), 'Brustbein' (breastbone/sternum), and 'Brustwarze' (nipple) are essential medical and biological terms.

Der Sportler hat einen kräftigen Brustkorb.

In a maternal context, 'an die Brust legen' means to put a baby to the breast for feeding. This is a very common expression in parenting and healthcare.

Prepositional Phrases: 'An der Brust' (at the breast), 'In der Brust' (inside the chest), 'Auf die Brust' (onto the chest). The case changes depending on whether there is movement or a static position.

Kopf hoch, Brust raus!

Die Medaille hängt auf seiner Brust.

Sentence structure with 'Brust' is usually straightforward, but remember that in German, body parts often use the definite article (die) rather than a possessive pronoun (meine) if the owner is clear from the context. Instead of 'My chest hurts', Germans often say 'The chest hurts me' (Die Brust tut mir weh).

You will encounter the word Brust in various real-life scenarios in German-speaking countries. One of the most common places is the doctor's office (beim Arzt). If you have a cold or respiratory issues, the doctor might say, 'Machen Sie bitte den Oberkörper frei, ich möchte Ihre Brust abhören' (Please clear your upper body, I want to listen to your chest).

At the Doctor: Listening to the lungs or heart is always described as listening to the 'Brust'. Medical forms will also use 'Brustbereich' (chest area).

Haben Sie Druck auf der Brust?

In the gym (im Fitnessstudio), 'Brusttag' (chest day) is a common slang term among fitness enthusiasts. You will hear people asking, 'Was trainierst du heute?' and the answer might be 'Heute ist Brust dran' (Today is chest day).

Culinary Shopping: In a supermarket, labels will always use 'Brust'. For example: 'Putenbrust, geräuchert' (smoked turkey breast).

Zwei Kilo Rinderbrust, bitte!

In literature and music, 'Brust' is used to evoke deep feelings. When listening to German opera or reading Romantic poetry (like Schiller or Heine), the word appears frequently to denote the internal state of a character. It's the place where 'the heart beats' and 'the soul sighs'.

In Swimming Pools: You will see signs for 'Brustschwimmer' or hear coaches saying 'Zieh die Arme vor der Brust zusammen' (Pull your arms together in front of your chest).

Er ist ein sehr schneller Brustschwimmer.

Die Mutter drückte das Kind fest an ihre Brust.

Whether you are buying meat, swimming laps, visiting a doctor, or reading a classic novel, 'Brust' is a word that appears in almost every facet of German life.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with Brust is confusing the singular and plural forms, or using the word in a way that sounds unintentionally sexual or clinical. In English, 'breast' often specifically refers to female anatomy, while 'chest' is more general. In German, 'Brust' covers both, which can be confusing.

Singular vs. Plural: Using 'Brüste' (plural) when you mean the general chest area can be awkward. If a man says 'Meine Brüste tun weh,' it sounds like he is referring to having female-like breasts. He should say 'Meine Brust tut weh' (My chest hurts).

Falsch: Ich trainiere meine Brüste. Richtig: Ich trainiere meine Brust.

Another common error is gender confusion. 'Brust' is feminine, but beginners often assume body parts are neuter or masculine. It is 'DIE Brust'. Incorrectly saying 'Der Brust' or 'Das Brust' will immediately mark you as a learner.

Confusion with 'Herz': While 'Brust' is the container, 'Herz' (heart) is the organ. In English, we often say 'chest' when we mean the area, but 'heart' for the emotion. In German, 'Brust' is used more often than 'chest' for emotional metaphors.

Ich habe Schmerzen in der Brust. (Correct for physical pain). Mein Herz schmerzt. (More common for emotional pain).

Preposition Errors: Using 'auf' vs 'in'. 'In der Brust' refers to something internal (like lungs), while 'auf der Brust' refers to something on the surface (like hair or a necklace).

Er hat Haare auf der Brust.

Finally, remember that 'Brust' does not pluralize to 'Bruste'. The umlaut is mandatory: 'die Brüste'. Omitting the umlaut is a major spelling mistake.

While Brust is the most common word for chest, there are several synonyms and related terms that are used in more specific contexts. Understanding these will help you sound more natural and precise.

Der Brustkorb (Rib Cage): This term is used when referring specifically to the bony structure of the chest. If you are talking about an X-ray or an injury to the ribs, 'Brustkorb' is the more accurate word.

Der Brustkorb schützt die inneren Organe.

Der Busen (Bosom/Cleavage): 'Busen' is more specific to the female breast, often focusing on the aesthetic or soft aspect. It's also used in the idiom 'der Busen der Natur' (the bosom of nature).

Sie trägt eine Kette über ihrem Busen.

Der Torso (Torso): Used primarily in art or medical contexts to describe the trunk of the body without the head or limbs.

Das Dekolleté (Cleavage): Borrowed from French, this refers specifically to the neck and chest area visible when wearing a low-cut dress.

Das Kleid hat ein tiefes Dekolleté.

Er hat einen breiten Oberkörper.

Comparing these words helps you see that while 'Brust' is the 'workhorse' word, 'Brustkorb' is for structure, 'Busen' is for softness/intimacy, and 'Oberkörper' is for the general area. Choosing the right one depends entirely on whether you are at the gym, the doctor, or a formal gala.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word is likely related to the verb 'bersten' (to burst), suggesting the chest is the part of the body that 'bursts' or bulges out.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /bʁʊst/

US /bʁʊst/

Single syllable, primary stress on the entire word.

Rhymes With

Lust Frust Must bewusst Verlust Kust Wust August

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'u' as a long 'u' (like 'boost'). It should be short.
Pronouncing 'st' as 'sh-t' at the end of the word. In German, 'st' at the end of a word is 's' + 't', not 'sh' + 't'.
Confusing with 'Bürste' (brush).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize due to English similarity.

Writing 2/5

Remember the plural umlaut and feminine gender.

Speaking 2/5

Short 'u' sound is key for correct pronunciation.

Listening 1/5

Clear, distinct sound in most dialects.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Körper Herz Hähnchen Schwimmen weh tun

Learn Next

Brustkorb Rücken Bauch atmen stolz

Advanced

Thorax Mamma brüsten Brüstung

Grammar to Know

Feminine Nouns

Die Brust, eine Brust, der Brust (dative/genitive).

Compound Nouns

Hähnchen + Brust = Hähnchenbrust (takes the gender of the last word).

Wechselpräpositionen

Auf die Brust (accusative, movement); Auf der Brust (dative, position).

Plural with Umlaut

Brust becomes Brüste.

Reflexive Verbs with Idioms

Sich in die Brust werfen.

Examples by Level

Die Brust tut mir weh.

My chest hurts.

Feminine noun, nominative.

Das ist meine Brust.

This is my chest.

Possessive pronoun 'meine'.

Ich esse gerne Hähnchenbrust.

I like eating chicken breast.

Compound noun: Hähnchen + Brust.

Die Brust ist ein Körperteil.

The chest is a body part.

Simple definition.

Er hat eine breite Brust.

He has a broad chest.

Adjective ending '-e' for feminine.

Sie trägt ein Kreuz auf der Brust.

She wears a cross on her chest.

Dative after 'auf' (position).

Das Baby liegt an der Brust.

The baby is at the breast.

Dative after 'an'.

Wo ist die Brust?

Where is the chest?

Question form.

Ich lerne heute Brustschwimmen.

I am learning breaststroke today.

Compound noun.

Der Arzt hört die Brust ab.

The doctor is listening to the chest.

Separable verb 'abhören'.

Er atmet tief in die Brust ein.

He breathes deeply into his chest.

Accusative after 'in' (direction).

Haben Sie Husten in der Brust?

Do you have a cough in your chest?

Dative 'in der Brust'.

Die Putenbrust ist im Angebot.

The turkey breast is on sale.

Compound noun.

Er klopft sich auf die Brust.

He thumps his chest.

Reflexive verb 'sich klopfen'.

Sie hat ein Tattoo auf der Brust.

She has a tattoo on her chest.

Dative 'auf der Brust'.

Der Brustkorb schützt das Herz.

The rib cage protects the heart.

Compound noun 'Brustkorb'.

Er sang das Lied aus voller Brust.

He sang the song at the top of his lungs.

Idiomatic expression.

Brust raus, Kopf hoch!

Chest out, head up!

Imperative-like phrase.

Sie drückte ihn an ihre Brust.

She pressed him to her chest.

Accusative 'an ihre Brust'.

Der Schwimmer gewann im Brustschwimmen.

The swimmer won in breaststroke.

Dative 'im' (in dem).

Die Ente wurde mit der Brust nach oben gebraten.

The duck was roasted breast-side up.

Prepositional phrase.

Er spürte ein Stechen in der Brust.

He felt a stabbing pain in his chest.

Noun 'Stechen'.

Die Brustmuskeln müssen trainiert werden.

The chest muscles need to be trained.

Plural compound noun.

Sie hat eine sehr weibliche Brust.

She has very feminine breasts.

Singular used for general appearance.

Zwei Seelen wohnen, ach! in meiner Brust.

Two souls dwell, alas! in my breast.

Literary quote (Goethe).

Er warf sich stolz in die Brust.

He puffed out his chest with pride.

Reflexive idiom 'sich in die Brust werfen'.

Die Brustwirbelsäule ist oft verspannt.

The thoracic spine is often tense.

Technical compound.

Brustkrebs ist eine ernsthafte Erkrankung.

Breast cancer is a serious disease.

Medical compound.

Sie nährt ihr Kind an der Brust.

She nourishes her child at the breast.

Formal verb 'nähren'.

Die Rinderbrust muss lange schmoren.

The beef brisket needs to braise for a long time.

Culinary context.

Ein Stein fiel ihm von der Brust.

A weight was lifted from his chest (soul).

Idiom (variation of 'Stein vom Herzen').

Der Panzer schützte seine Brust.

The armor protected his chest.

Historical context.

Er offenbarte die tiefsten Geheimnisse seiner Brust.

He revealed the deepest secrets of his heart/bosom.

Genitive 'seiner Brust'.

Die Brust des Berges war in Nebel gehüllt.

The breast (flank) of the mountain was shrouded in mist.

Metaphorical usage.

In seiner Brust tobte ein heftiger Konflikt.

A violent conflict raged in his chest/heart.

Abstract usage.

Sie ist eine Koryphäe auf dem Gebiet der Brusterkrankungen.

She is a luminary in the field of breast diseases.

Academic context.

Das Denkmal zeigt einen Helden mit entblößter Brust.

The monument shows a hero with a bare chest.

Participle 'entblößter'.

Die Bruststimme klang tief und resonant.

The chest voice sounded deep and resonant.

Musical term 'Bruststimme'.

Er wurde mit einer Kugel in die Brust getroffen.

He was hit with a bullet in the chest.

Passive voice.

Seine Worte trafen sie mitten in die Brust.

His words hit her right in the chest (heart).

Metaphorical impact.

Das Kind ward an der Mutter Brust gestillt.

The child was nursed at the mother's breast.

Archaic word order and 'ward' (was).

Es ist eine schwache Brust, die solchem Druck nicht standhält.

It is a weak spirit that cannot withstand such pressure.

Highly metaphorical/idiomatic.

Die Brusthöhle beherbergt die vitalen Organe.

The thoracic cavity houses the vital organs.

Scientific term 'Brusthöhle'.

Er brüstete sich mit seinen zweifelhaften Erfolgen.

He boasted about his dubious successes.

Derived verb 'sich brüsten'.

Die archaische Kraft der Bruststimme erschütterte den Saal.

The archaic power of the chest voice shook the hall.

Elevated vocabulary.

In der Brust des Dichters keimte neue Hoffnung.

New hope sprouted in the poet's breast.

Poetic metaphor.

Man muss der Gefahr mit offener Brust begegnen.

One must meet danger with an open chest (bravely).

Idiomatic/Proverbial.

Die Kyras-Brustplatte war kunstvoll verziert.

The cuirass breastplate was elaborately decorated.

Historical technical term.

Common Collocations

breite Brust

schwache Brust

Brust abhören

an der Brust

auf der Brust

in der Brust

Brust schwimmen

Hähnchenbrust braten

Brust raus

Brustkrebs-Vorsorge

Common Phrases

Brust oder Keule?

— Breast or leg? A classic question when serving poultry.

Möchten Sie Brust oder Keule?

Sich in die Brust werfen

— To puff oneself up with pride or confidence.

Er warf sich in die Brust und erzählte von seinem Sieg.

Aus voller Brust

— With full conviction or at the top of one's lungs.

Sie lachte aus voller Brust.

An jemandes Brust liegen

— To lean or lie on someone's chest for comfort.

Sie lag an seiner Brust und weinte.

Eine schwache Brust haben

— To lack strength, endurance, or power.

Sein Auto hat eine etwas schwache Brust am Berg.

Kopf hoch, Brust raus!

— Chin up, chest out! (Be confident).

Komm schon, Kopf hoch, Brust raus!

Etwas auf der Brust haben

— To have something weighing on one's mind (less common than 'auf dem Herzen').

Er hat eine schwere Last auf der Brust.

Brust an Brust

— Chest to chest (very close).

Sie standen Brust an Brust im Fahrstuhl.

Die Brust geben

— To breastfeed.

Die Mutter gibt dem Säugling die Brust.

Ein Schlag auf die Brust

— A blow to the chest.

Der Schlag auf die Brust tat weh.

Often Confused With

Brust vs Bürste

Means 'brush'. Sounds similar but has an 'r' before the 's' and an 'e' at the end.

Brust vs Busen

More poetic or specific to female cleavage; 'Brust' is more general and anatomical.

Brust vs Bauch

Means 'stomach'. Often confused by beginners as they are both in the torso.

Idioms & Expressions

"Sich in die Brust werfen"

— To act very proud or boastful.

Er wirft sich immer so in die Brust, wenn er gewinnt.

Informal

"Aus voller Brust"

— Doing something with great energy or volume.

Alle sangen aus voller Brust mit.

Neutral

"Eine schwache Brust haben"

— To be underpowered or lacking stamina.

Die Firma hat finanziell eine schwache Brust.

Colloquial

"Zwei Seelen wohnen in meiner Brust"

— To be torn between two conflicting desires or parts of one's personality.

Soll ich gehen oder bleiben? Zwei Seelen wohnen in meiner Brust.

Literary

"An der Brust nähren"

— To raise or nurture someone/something from the start.

Er hat diese Idee an seiner Brust genährt.

Poetic

"Brust raus!"

— Show some courage and confidence!

Brust raus, Soldat!

Neutral

"Auf die Brust klopfen"

— To boast or show off strength.

Er klopft sich gerne auf die Brust.

Colloquial

"Ein Stein fällt von der Brust"

— A variation of 'Stein vom Herzen', meaning a great relief.

Als sie anrief, fiel mir ein Stein von der Brust.

Neutral

"Brust oder Keule"

— The choice between the best parts; often used metaphorically for choices.

Im Leben heißt es oft: Brust oder Keule.

Neutral

"Die Brust entblößen"

— To reveal one's true self or vulnerability.

Er entblößte seine Brust vor seinen Freunden.

Literary

Easily Confused

Brust vs Brüste

Plural of Brust.

While 'Brust' can be gender-neutral 'chest', 'Brüste' almost always refers to female breasts.

Die Frau hat große Brüste.

Brust vs Brustkorb

Both mean chest.

Brustkorb is the skeletal rib cage; Brust is the whole area including skin and organs.

Sein Brustkorb wurde geröntgt.

Brust vs Oberkörper

Both refer to the upper body.

Oberkörper includes the back and shoulders; Brust is only the front.

Er hat einen nackten Oberkörper.

Brust vs Busen

Both can mean breast.

Busen is softer, more aesthetic/poetic; Brust is more anatomical/culinary.

Sie drückte das Kind an ihren Busen.

Brust vs Herz

Metaphorical overlap.

Herz is the organ; Brust is the location where the heart sits.

Mein Herz schlägt in meiner Brust.

Sentence Patterns

Meine [Body Part] tut weh.

Meine Brust tut weh.

Ich esse [Meat].

Ich esse Hähnchenbrust.

Ich kann [Sport] schwimmen.

Ich kann Brust schwimmen.

Der Arzt [Verb] die Brust.

Der Arzt hört die Brust ab.

[Verb] aus voller Brust.

Er lacht aus voller Brust.

[Body Part] raus!

Brust raus!

Sich in die Brust [Verb].

Er wirft sich in die Brust.

In meiner Brust [Verb] ein [Noun].

In meiner Brust tobt ein Kampf.

Word Family

Nouns

Brüstung

Brustkorb

Brustbein

Brustwarze

Brustbild

Brustton

Brustschwimmen

Verbs

brüsten (sich)

Adjectives

brüstig (usually in compounds like großbrüstig)

Herz

Lunge

Oberkörper

Busen

Körper

How to Use It

frequency

Very high; used daily in various contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using 'der Brust'. → die Brust
Brust is feminine, not masculine.
Saying 'Ich trainiere meine Brüste' (for a man). → Ich trainiere meine Brust.
The plural 'Brüste' refers specifically to female breasts.
Spelling the plural as 'Bruste'. → Brüste
The umlaut is required in the plural form.
Using 'Brust' for 'brush'. → Bürste
These are two completely different words.
Confusing 'in der Brust' and 'auf der Brust'. → Depends on context.
'In' is inside (pain), 'auf' is on top (hair/necklace).

Tips

Gender Tip

Always remember 'die Brust'. Think of 'die' as 'the' and relate it to 'female' to help remember it's feminine.

Culinary Tip

When at a German restaurant, look for 'Brust' if you want a lean cut of meat like poultry.

Sports Tip

If you go to a public pool in Germany, 'Brust' is the default stroke. Learning this word helps you follow pool rules.

Confidence Tip

Use 'Brust raus' to encourage yourself or others before a difficult task or presentation.

Health Tip

If a doctor says 'Machen Sie die Brust frei', they want you to take off your shirt for an exam.

Poetic Tip

When reading German poems, 'Brust' often means the seat of feelings, not just the body part.

Sound Tip

The 'u' in 'Brust' is short. Don't stretch it out like 'broost'.

Plural Tip

The dots (umlaut) in 'Brüste' change the sound significantly. Practice the 'ü' sound.

History Tip

Knowing it relates to 'burst' helps you visualize the chest expanding as you breathe.

Anatomy Tip

Distinguish 'Brust' (front) from 'Rücken' (back) for basic orientation.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Breast' or a 'Bust' (statue). Both sound like 'Brust' and refer to the chest area.

Visual Association

Imagine a swimmer doing the breaststroke, their 'Brust' pushing through the water.

Word Web

Körper Herz Lunge Schwimmen Hähnchen Arzt Stolz Atmen

Challenge

Try to use 'Brust' in three different contexts: at the doctor, at the gym, and at a restaurant.

Word Origin

From Middle High German 'brust', Old High German 'brust'.

Original meaning: Bulging, swelling, or something that bursts forth.

Germanic, related to English 'breast' and Dutch 'borst'.

Cultural Context

While 'Brust' is a neutral anatomical term, 'Brüste' (plural) is more specific to female anatomy and can be sensitive depending on the context.

English speakers often distinguish between 'chest' and 'breast' more strictly than Germans do with 'Brust'.

Goethe's 'Faust' (Zwei Seelen wohnen, ach! in meiner Brust) The movie 'Brust oder Keule' (L'aile ou la cuisse) - though French, it's a cult classic in Germany. Schiller's poems.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Medical

Brust abhören
Schmerzen in der Brust
Brustkorb röntgen
Brustkrebsvorsorge

Sports

Brust schwimmen
Brustmuskeln trainieren
Brustpresse
Brust raus

Culinary

Hähnchenbrust
Entenbrust
Rinderbrust
Brust oder Keule

Parenting

an die Brust legen
an der Brust trinken
die Brust geben
Abstillen

Emotional

aus voller Brust
in meiner Brust
Stein von der Brust
sich in die Brust werfen

Conversation Starters

"Was ist dein Lieblingsstil beim Schwimmen? Brust oder Kraulen?"

"Hast du schon mal eine Ente mit Orangensoße (Entenbrust) probiert?"

"Wie oft trainierst du deine Brust im Fitnessstudio?"

"Warum sagt man im Deutschen 'zwei Seelen in einer Brust'?"

"Was machst du, wenn du Druck auf der Brust spürst?"

Journal Prompts

Beschreibe eine Situation, in der du 'aus voller Brust' gelacht hast.

Welche Körperteile sind für deine Gesundheit am wichtigsten? Erwähne die Brust.

Schreibe über dein liebstes Rezept mit Hähnchenbrust.

Was bedeutet 'Selbstbewusstsein' für dich? Nutze die Metapher 'Brust raus'.

Stell dir vor, du bist ein Arzt. Erkläre einem Patienten, warum du seine Brust abhören musst.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, 'Brust' is for both men and women. It means 'chest' in a general sense. However, the plural 'Brüste' usually refers to female breasts.

The word is 'Hähnchenbrust'. It is a very common compound noun used in supermarkets and restaurants.

It literally means 'chest out'. It's an idiom used to tell someone to be confident or stand up straight.

Metaphorically, yes. Germans often say things like 'in meiner Brust' to mean 'in my heart' or 'in my soul'.

It is a neutral, standard word. In very formal medical settings, 'Thorax' or 'Brustkorb' might be used, but 'Brust' is perfectly fine.

It is 'Brustschwimmen'. You can also just say 'Ich schwimme Brust'.

The plural is 'die Brüste'. Note the umlaut on the 'u'.

Not exactly. 'Busen' is more poetic or refers specifically to the cleavage/female breast area. 'Brust' is the standard anatomical term.

You say 'Ich habe Schmerzen in der Brust' or 'Meine Brust tut weh'.

Yes, 'Rinderbrust' is the German word for beef brisket.