flatulence
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flatulence
A buildup of gases in the gastrointestinal tract that can lead to a bloated feeling, pressure, or pain. The word is very often used in the plural.
Nach dem schweren Essen hatte er starke Blähungen.
After the heavy meal, he had severe flatulence.
The noun 'die Blähung' (flatulence) is derived from the verb 'blähen' (to inflate / to bloat), which means 'aufblasen' (to inflate) or 'sich aufblähen' (to become bloated). The ending '-ung' turns the verb into a noun that describes the process or result.
Der Wind blähte die Segel des Schiffes.
The wind filled the ship's sails.
Although the singular form exists, this word is almost always used in everyday language in the plural 'Blähungen' (flatulence / gas). People typically say that they 'Blähungen hat' (has gas) or 'unter Blähungen leidet' (suffers from flatulence).
Bestimmte Teesorten können gegen Blähungen helfen.
Certain types of tea can help with flatulence.
Common verbs used in connection with flatulence are 'haben' (to have), 'bekommen' (to get), 'verursachen' (to cause), and 'leiden unter' (to suffer from). Adjectives that are often used are 'stark' (severe) or 'schmerzhaft' (painful).
Kohlensäurehaltige Getränke können Blähungen verursachen.
Carbonated drinks can cause flatulence.
wind
'der Wind' and 'die Blähung' can both have to do with gas in the intestines. In this context, 'Wind' refers more to the gas that escapes from the body and sounds euphemistic or medical. 'Blähung' mainly refers to the discomfort caused by gas in the belly, for example pressure, a bloated feeling, or pain. The word is very often used in the plural: 'Blähungen'. Learners may confuse the words because both occur in health-related contexts. In practice: for discomfort in the belly, people usually say 'Blähungen'; when the gas escapes, you can cautiously speak of 'Winde'.
Nach dem Essen hatte Maria starke Blähungen und wollte sich hinlegen.
After eating, Maria had severe bloating and wanted to lie down.
Der Arzt fragte, ob der Patient schon Winde lassen konnte.
The doctor asked whether the patient had been able to pass gas yet.