stomachache / misgivings
der Bauchschmerz, die Bauchschmerzen
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stomachache
A painful feeling in the area of the stomach or abdomen. In everyday German, the plural 'Bauchschmerzen' is used almost exclusively.
Nach dem vielen Eis hatte das Kind Bauchschmerzen.
After all that ice cream, the child had a stomachache.
to have misgivings
To have a feeling of unease, worry, or reluctance about something, a decision, or an upcoming task.
Die Vorstellung, eine Präsentation halten zu müssen, bereitet mir richtige Bauchschmerzen.
The idea of having to give a presentation gives me real misgivings.
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Bauchschmerzen |
| genitive | des Bauchschmerzes |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Bauchschmerz | die Bauchschmerzen |
| accusative | den Bauchschmerz | die Bauchschmerzen |
| dative | dem Bauchschmerz | den Bauchschmerzen |
| genitive | des Bauchschmerzes | der Bauchschmerzen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
The word is a simple compound made up of 'der Bauch' (stomach/abdomen) and 'der Schmerz' (pain). So it literally describes a pain in the stomach or abdomen.
Ein plötzlicher Bauchschmerz zwang ihn, eine Pause zu machen.
A sudden stomachache forced him to take a break.
When talking about physical pain in the stomach or abdomen, the plural form 'Bauchschmerzen' (stomachache/stomach pains) is almost always used, typically with the verb 'haben' (to have).
Ich habe heute starke Bauchschmerzen und bleibe lieber zu Hause.
I have a bad stomachache today and would rather stay home.
In the figurative meaning of 'Sorgen' (worries) or 'Unbehagen' (unease), the word is used in fixed expressions: 'mit etwas Bauchschmerzen haben' (to have misgivings about something) or 'jemandem Bauchschmerzen bereiten' (to give someone misgivings / cause someone concern).
Die neue Strategie bereitet vielen Mitarbeitern Bauchschmerzen.
The new strategy is giving many employees misgivings.
You can tell from the context whether the literal or figurative meaning is intended. If it is about food, illness, or the body, it refers to physical pain. If it is about decisions, problems, or plans, it means worries.
Das fettige Essen hat mir Bauchschmerzen verursacht.
The greasy food gave me a stomachache.
