verknacksen

to twist, sprain an ankle or wrist

verb fer-KNAK-zen Rare

Usage Note

Verknacksen is colloquial but very common for a minor sprain — sich den Knöchel verknacksen. More formal alternatives include verstauchen. Used reflexively with a body-part dative.

Examples

"Beim Sport hat sie sich das Handgelenk verknackst."

Natural Translation

She twisted her wrist while playing sport.

Literal Translation

During sport she has sprained herself the wrist.

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