der Ballen
Translation
bale, bundle, ball (of the foot/hand)
Examples
Der Bauer presst das Heu zu Ballen.
The farmer presses the hay into bales.
Er stützte sich auf den Ballen seiner Hand.
He supported himself on the ball of his hand.
Grammar Patterns
to press ((sth.)) into bales et4 zu Ballen pressen
the ball of ((one's)) hand/foot der Ballen der Hand/des Fußes
Similar Words
Synonyms: Bündel (bundle), Paket (package)
Etymology
From Old High German 'ballo', related to 'Ball' (ball). It refers to something rolled or pressed into a ball-like shape.
Memory Tips
Imagine a large 'Ball' of hay, which is a 'Ballen'. The same applies to the 'ball' of your foot.