01
sich fühlen
to feel
To have a particular feeling, emotion, or physical state.
example
Nach dem langen Spaziergang fühle ich mich richtig gut.
After the long walk, I feel really good.
fühlen
to feel
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Reflexive vs. non-reflexive
The reflexive form 'sich fühlen' (to feel) always describes an inner feeling or the person's own state of health. The non-reflexive form 'fühlen' (to feel) usually refers to something perceived externally with the hands or senses.
EXAMPLE
Ich fühle mich heute nicht so gut.
I don't feel so good today.
Typical adjectives
With 'sich fühlen' (to feel), adjectives are often used that describe physical or emotional well-being. Common examples are: 'sich gut, schlecht, müde, krank, glücklich oder einsam fühlen' (to feel good, bad, tired, sick, happy, or lonely).
EXAMPLE
Nach der langen Reise fühlte er sich sehr müde.
After the long trip, he felt very tired.
Intuition vs. touch
When 'fühlen' (to feel) is combined with a 'dass' (that) clause, it expresses intuition or a hunch. When it has a noun as a direct object, it is usually about perception through the sense of touch.
EXAMPLE
Ich fühle, dass das eine gute Idee ist.
I feel that this is a good idea.
Comparison with 'wie' or 'als'
The construction 'sich fühlen wie' (to feel like) is used for comparisons with a noun. The construction 'sich fühlen, als ob/als' (to feel as if/as though) introduces a subordinate clause that describes a feeling.
EXAMPLE
An meinem Geburtstag habe ich mich wie eine Prinzessin gefühlt.
On my birthday, I felt like a princess.
Fixed preposition 'nach'
The combination 'fühlen nach' (to feel for) means to search by touch for something that you cannot see. The preposition 'nach' is fixed with the verb here.
EXAMPLE
Er fühlte im Dunkeln nach seiner Brille auf dem Nachttisch.
In the dark, he felt for his glasses on the nightstand.
Compare with
fühlen vs spüren
to feel / sense
'fühlen' and 'spüren' can both mean that you perceive something physically or internally. 'fühlen' is used very often for your own state: you feel tired, sick, or happy. It also fits when you notice something with your skin or hands. 'spüren' puts more emphasis on the perception itself: you can 'spüren' wind, pain, pressure, or a mood. Learners may confuse the words because both fit with the body and feelings. As a simple guide: with 'sich fühlen', it is usually about how a person is doing; with 'spüren', it is more about noticing or perceiving something.
fühlen
Nach dem langen Spaziergang fühlt sich Moritz müde, aber zufrieden.
After the long walk, Moritz feels tired but satisfied.
spüren
Im Klassenzimmer spürt man heute die Nervosität vor der Prüfung.
In the classroom today, you can sense the nervousness before the exam.
In real life
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