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.
'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
'Schleim' and 'Rotz' can both refer to body secretions, especially when you have a cold. 'Schleim' is more general and more neutral. It can come from the nose, throat, or lungs, and is also used in medical conversations. 'Rotz' mainly means secretion from the nose and sounds colloquial, often crude or derogatory. Learners may confuse the words because both occur with colds. 'Schleim' is usually safer and more polite, especially at the doctor; 'Rotz' is more suitable for very casual everyday language.
Die Ärztin fragte, ob der Schleim beim Husten gelb oder klar ist.
The doctor asked whether the mucus when coughing was yellow or clear.
Das Kind hatte Rotz unter der Nase und brauchte dringend ein Taschentuch.
The child had snot under his nose and urgently needed a tissue.