The Klenkes is more than just a small gesture. The raised little finger tells the story of Aachen’s time as a center of the needle industry. Back then, workers would sort out defective needles by pushing them aside with their little fingers. This movement gave rise to a greeting that still connects people across distances today. The sculpture in the city center picks up on this gesture and makes it visible. To passersby, it appears as a quiet wink that recalls the city’s tradition of craftsmanship while also conveying a sense of belonging.