This is the 9750th most frequent German word.
nel
"Nel" is not a standard German word. It may be a typo or abbreviation; context is needed for clarification.
The word 'Nel' is similar to the German word 'Nagel', which means 'nail' in the context of a small pointed metal pin. In this sentence, it refers to a nail that is fixed in a wall.
Der Nagel an der Wand ist ziemlich alt.
The nail on the wall is quite old.
Here, 'Nagel' is used again to refer to a sharp nail, but the context highlights an accident involving a person's body.
Meine Schwester hat einen Nagel in ihren Finger bekommen.
My sister got a nail in her finger.
In this example, 'Nagel' again refers to a nail, specifically a fastening tool that is embedded in a wooden plank.