Usage Note
Ellenbogen is the elbow joint. The compound Ellenbogengesellschaft ('elbow society') describes a cut-throat, self-serving society — a very common sociopolitical metaphor in German. Plural: Ellenbogen.
Examples
"Er stützte sich auf den Ellenbogen und schaute in die Ferne."
Natural Translation
He propped himself on his elbow and gazed into the distance.
Literal Translation
He supported himself on the elbow and looked into the distance.
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