01
der Schmerz
pain
An unpleasant physical sensation caused by an injury or illness.
example
Nach der Operation hatte er starke Schmerzen im Bein.
After the operation, he had severe pain in his leg.
der Schmerz
pain
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clue
Physical pain is often used in the plural in German ('Schmerzen'), while emotional suffering is almost always in the singular ('der Schmerz'). This usually makes the meaning easy to recognize.
EXAMPLE
Sie hat seit gestern starke Schmerzen im Rücken.
She has had severe back pain since yesterday.
Use in the plural
For physical complaints, the plural form 'die Schmerzen' (pain) is used very frequently, even when only one part of the body is affected. The question 'Wo haben Sie Schmerzen?' (Where do you have pain?) is typical at the doctor's.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe seit Tagen Schmerzen im Knie.
I have had pain in my knee for days.
Compound formation
'Schmerz' (pain) is often combined with a body part to form a new word that specifies the type of pain. Examples are 'Kopfschmerzen' (headache), 'Bauchschmerzen' (stomachache), or 'Rückenschmerzen' (back pain).
EXAMPLE
Nach der langen Autofahrt hatte er starke Rückenschmerzen.
After the long car ride, he had severe back pain.
Typical collocations
Emotional pain is often combined with verbs such as 'empfinden' (to feel/experience) or 'fühlen' (to feel). The cause of the pain is often expressed with the preposition 'über' (+ accusative).
EXAMPLE
Er fühlte einen tiefen Schmerz über den Verlust seines Freundes.
He felt deep pain over the loss of his friend.
Compare with
Schmerz vs Leid
suffering
'das Leid' and 'der Schmerz' both describe something very unpleasant. 'Schmerz' is used very often for the body, for example with an injury, but also for emotional grief. 'Leid' is usually bigger and more general: it means deep sorrow, misfortune, or prolonged suffering. If someone has a headache, you normally say 'Schmerz'. If you are talking about a person's difficult life or grief, 'Leid' often fits better.
Schmerz
Der Schmerz im Knie wurde beim Treppensteigen stärker.
The pain in his knee got worse when he climbed the stairs.
Leid
Nach dem Unfall war das Leid der Familie groß.
After the accident, the family's suffering was great.
In real life
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