der Hexenschuss
lumbago
Sudden, usually severe pain in the lower back, often triggered by an awkward movement or physical strain.
EXAMPLE
Beim Heben der schweren Kiste bekam er einen Hexenschuss.
He developed lumbago while lifting the heavy box.
der Hexenschuss
lumbago
der Hexenschuss
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Hexenschuss, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| genitive | des Hexenschusses |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Hexenschuss | – |
| accusative | den Hexenschuss | – |
| dative | dem Hexenschuss | – |
| genitive | des Hexenschusses | – |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Word formation
'Hexenschuss' (lumbago) is made up of 'Hexe' (witch) and 'Schuss' (shot). The word vividly describes a sudden shooting pain in the back; it has nothing to do with an actual witch.
EXAMPLE
Nach einer ruckartigen Bewegung bekam sie einen Hexenschuss.
After a sudden movement, she developed lumbago.
Typical collocations
'Hexenschuss' (lumbago) is particularly common with the verbs 'bekommen' (to get), 'haben' (to have), and 'sich holen' (to get). The phrase 'unter einem Hexenschuss leiden' (to suffer from lumbago) is also common.
EXAMPLE
Er musste wegen eines Hexenschusses mehrere Tage zu Hause bleiben.
He had to stay home for several days because of lumbago.
Accusative object
After 'bekommen' (to get) and 'sich holen' (to get), 'Hexenschuss' (lumbago) is used as an accusative object, often with the indefinite article 'einen'. After 'haben' (to have), the expression also takes 'einen'.
EXAMPLE
Beim Aufstehen hat sie sich einen Hexenschuss geholt.
She developed lumbago while getting up.
In real life
Loading video examples...