A painful feeling in the throat that often occurs when swallowing and is a symptom of a cold or inflammation. Usually used in the plural in German: 'Halsschmerzen'.
example
Wegen starker Halsschmerzen konnte er kaum sprechen.
Because of a bad sore throat, he could hardly speak.
Usage tips
Word composition
The word is built very logically and consists of 'der Hals' (the throat/neck) and 'der Schmerz' (the pain). So it literally describes a pain in the throat.
EXAMPLE
Ein warmer Tee kann bei Halsschmerzen helfen.
A warm tea can help with a sore throat.
Use in the plural
Although the pain is often perceived as a single feeling, the word is almost always used in the plural in German: 'Halsschmerzen' (sore throat). The phrase 'Ich habe Halsschmerzen' (I have a sore throat) is the usual way to describe this symptom.
EXAMPLE
Ich glaube, ich bekomme eine Erkältung, denn ich habe schon Halsschmerzen.
I think I'm coming down with a cold because I already have a sore throat.
Typical collocations
'Halsschmerzen' (sore throat) is typically used with the verbs 'haben' (to have) or 'bekommen' (to get). You can also describe it with adjectives like 'stark' (bad/severe) or 'leicht' (mild).
EXAMPLE
Seit gestern habe ich starke Halsschmerzen und Fieber.
Since yesterday, I've had a bad sore throat and a fever.