mucus / slime
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mucus
A thick, moist substance produced by the body's mucous membranes (e.g. in the nose and lungs) to protect and moisten them. During illnesses such as a cold, production can increase.
Bei einer starken Erkältung bildet sich oft zäher Schleim in den Atemwegen.
With a bad cold, thick mucus often forms in the airways.
slime
The slippery, sticky fluid secreted by certain animals such as snails or slugs, which helps them move.
Die Nacktschnecke hinterließ eine glänzende Spur aus Schleim auf dem Salatblatt.
The slug left a shiny trail of slime on the lettuce leaf.
flattery
Colloquial and derogatory for exaggerated, insincere flattery or submissive behavior intended to make someone like you.
Sein ganzes Gerede war nur Schleim, um beim Chef gut dazustehen.
All his talk was just flattery to make himself look good to the boss.
'Schleim' (mucus/slime) is an uncountable noun in all of its meanings. It is used almost exclusively in the singular because it describes a mass or substance.
Der Hustensaft soll den Schleim in den Bronchien lösen.
The cough syrup is supposed to loosen the mucus in the bronchi.
The three meanings can easily be distinguished by context. In a medical context, it refers to a bodily secretion. In connection with animals such as snails, it refers to their secretion. In a social context, it is a metaphor for insincere flattery.
Mein Hals ist voller Schleim.
My throat is full of mucus.
The verb 'schleimen' (to suck up) or 'sich einschleimen' (to ingratiate oneself) is derived from the figurative meaning of 'Schleim' (flattery/slime). It means to give someone exaggerated compliments in order to gain an advantage.
Er schleimt die ganze Zeit beim Chef, um eine Gehaltserhöhung zu bekommen.
He sucks up to the boss all the time to get a raise.
In its colloquial meaning, 'Schleim' (flattery/slime) is a strongly derogatory (negative) word. It expresses contempt for a person's insincere behavior.
Ich kann seinen Schleim nicht mehr ertragen.
I can't stand his slimy flattery anymore.
snot / crap / glanders
Both words can refer to thick fluid produced by the body during a cold. „Schleim“ is the neutral and more general term, while „Rotz“ is limited to nasal discharge and is clearly colloquial and often derogatory. Use „Schleim“ in neutral situations and „Rotz“ only in deliberately casual language.
Bei der Erkältung löst sich der zähe Schleim langsam aus meiner Nase.
With my cold, the thick mucus is slowly clearing from my nose.
Bei der Erkältung läuft dem Kind ständig der Rotz aus der Nase.
The child’s nose is constantly running with snot because of the cold.
