Buyer protection
Contents
A dog-ear is a folded-over corner of a book or pamphlet page. The name comes from its appearance: the diagonally protruding, folded corner resembles a drooping donkey ear. Here you will learn where the expression comes from, how to avoid and smooth out dog-ears – and what real donkey ears are capable of.
What is a dog-ear?
A dog-ear is a page corner that is folded inward or outward. Some people deliberately fold corners to mark a spot. Dog-ears are more often created unintentionally: in a backpack, a schoolbag, or when a book is read frequently. In antiquarian books, dog-ears reduce the value of a book – that is why they regularly appear in descriptions.
Where does the term come from?
The expression is a visual comparison. Donkeys usually carry their long ears upright. But when a donkey is relaxed or tired, they often hang down to the side – similar to a folded-over paper corner. The image was so memorable that it became firmly established in German. By the way, in English, it is called a “dog-ear” – so it is a dog’s ear there.
Avoiding dog-ears
- Use a bookmark: A strip of paper, a postcard, or a receipt is perfectly sufficient.
- Store books upright: Not squeezed between other objects.
- Protective cover for on the go: Simple covers or book bags prevent creases in a backpack.
- Pack notebooks correctly: With a cover or in a folder.
Smoothing out dog-ears again
- Carefully fold it back: Gently return the corner to its original position.
- Weight it down: Place the page between two sheets of paper and put the closed book under a stack of heavy books for a few days.
- For stubborn creases: Place a sheet of paper over the corner and briefly iron over it on a low setting, without steam. It is better to refrain from doing this with valuable or old books.
The crease usually does not disappear completely – a fine line often remains visible.
And the real donkey ears?
Real donkey ears are much more fascinating than any book corner. They are long, mobile, and can be turned independently of each other. They help with hearing over greater distances, radiate body heat, and reveal how a donkey is currently feeling:
| Ear position | Meaning |
|---|---|
| directed forward | attentive, interested |
| hanging loosely to the side | relaxed or dozing – the real “donkey ear” |
| one ear forward, one ear back | observing several things at once |
| flat against the back | displeasure, defensiveness – keep your distance |
Learn more in Why do donkeys have such long ears? and Understanding donkey body language.
What else donkeys have to offer
Donkeys have not only given our language the donkey ear and the donkey bridge. For thousands of years, they have accompanied humans as pack animals – and as suppliers of a particularly rare milk. A donkey only gives milk as long as it has a foal, and the foal always takes precedence. Why this is, you can read in Why real donkey milk is so rare.
Curious about the original?
Mild, slightly sweet, and thinner than cow’s milk: Try fresh donkey milk from European partner farms – laboratory-tested and delivered frozen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it spelled Eselsohr or Eselohr?
For the book corner, “Eselsohr” with an “s” is the usual spelling.
Are dog-ears bad for books?
They leave permanent creases and can cause old paper to tear. A bookmark is the gentler solution.
What is a dog-ear in a figurative sense?
Occasionally, it stands for a place you want to remember – just like the bookmark in the book.
How long are real donkey ears?
This depends on the breed and size. Large donkeys have significantly longer ears than miniature donkeys. Learn more in Donkey breeds at a glance.
