headache
der Kopfschmerz, die Kopfschmerzen
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headache
A sensation of pain in the head area. In German, it is more commonly used in the plural (Kopfschmerzen).
Nach der langen Autofahrt hatte ich einen leichten Kopfschmerz.
After the long car ride, I had a mild headache.
to cause headaches
In a figurative sense, to be a source of worries, problems, or difficulties.
Die unklare Finanzierung des Projekts bereitet dem Vorstand große Kopfschmerzen.
The unclear financing of the project is causing the board major headaches.
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Kopfschmerzen |
| genitive | des Kopfschmerzes |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Kopfschmerz | die Kopfschmerzen |
| accusative | den Kopfschmerz | die Kopfschmerzen |
| dative | dem Kopfschmerz | den Kopfschmerzen |
| genitive | des Kopfschmerzes | der Kopfschmerzen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
The word is built very logically: it consists of 'der Kopf' (head) and 'der Schmerz' (pain). So it literally means 'pain in the head'.
Lärm kann starke Kopfschmerzen verursachen.
Noise can cause severe headaches.
Even if you only have one pain in your head, German almost always uses the plural 'Kopfschmerzen' (headaches). The typical phrasing is 'Ich habe Kopfschmerzen' (I have a headache/headaches).
Ich habe seit heute Morgen starke Kopfschmerzen.
I have had a bad headache since this morning.
Nimm eine Tablette, wenn du Kopfschmerzen hast.
Take a pill if you have a headache.
In the figurative meaning, the fixed expression 'jemandem (Dativ) Kopfschmerzen bereiten' or 'jemandem Kopfschmerzen machen' is used. It means that something causes worries or problems.
Die steigenden Kosten bereiten der Firma Kopfschmerzen.
The rising costs are causing the company headaches.
Dieses ungelöste Problem macht mir wirklich Kopfschmerzen.
This unresolved problem is really giving me headaches.
headache
Der Kopfschmerz and das Kopfweh both refer to pain in the head. Kopfschmerzen is the neutral and more common everyday form, usually used in the plural; Kopfweh sounds more colloquial and regional. Kopfschmerzen is usually more suitable in an objective description, while Kopfweh is also possible in private conversation.
Wegen starker Kopfschmerzen bleibt Anna heute zu Hause.
Anna is staying home today because of a severe headache.
Wegen des starken Kopfwehs bleibt Anna heute zu Hause.
Anna is staying home today because of a severe headache.
