01
schwanger
pregnant
Describing the state in which a woman or female animal is carrying one or more offspring in the body.
example
Meine Schwester ist im fünften Monat schwanger.
My sister is five months pregnant.
schwanger
pregnant
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clue
You can always recognize the figurative meaning of 'schwanger gehen' (to be contemplating) by the fixed combination with the preposition 'mit' and an abstract noun such as 'Idee' (idea), 'Plan' (plan), or 'Gedanke' (thought).
EXAMPLE
Sie geht schon lange mit dem Gedanken schwanger, auszuwandern.
She has long been contemplating the idea of emigrating.
Typical sentence patterns
In the literal sense, 'schwanger' (pregnant) is often used with time expressions or the preposition 'von' (by/from). You are 'im [Zahl]. Monat schwanger' (in your [number] month of pregnancy) or 'von jemandem schwanger' (pregnant by someone).
EXAMPLE
Sie ist im dritten Monat schwanger.
She is three months pregnant.
Typical collocations
Common verbs in this context are 'schwanger werden' (to become pregnant) for the beginning of the state and 'schwanger sein' (to be pregnant) for the ongoing state.
EXAMPLE
Viele Paare wünschen sich, schwanger zu werden.
Many couples wish to become pregnant.
Fixed expression
The expression 'mit etwas schwanger gehen' (to be contemplating something) is a fixed unit. It describes keeping an idea or plan to yourself for a long time and thinking about it before acting.
EXAMPLE
Der Autor ging zwei Jahre mit der Idee für seinen neuen Roman schwanger.
The author contemplated the idea for his new novel for two years.
Compare with
schwanger vs Umstand
circumstance
'in anderen Umständen sein' (to be expecting) and 'schwanger' both refer to the same state. 'schwanger' is the normal, direct word and fits in almost all situations, including at the doctor’s or in everyday life. 'in anderen Umständen sein' is a euphemistic and rather old-fashioned expression. Today it often sounds old-fashioned or very cautious. If you want to speak clearly and naturally, you usually use 'schwanger'.
schwanger
Anna ist schwanger und hat nächste Woche einen Termin bei der Ärztin.
Anna is pregnant and has an appointment with the doctor next week.
Umstand
Meine Großmutter sagte früher, eine Frau sei in anderen Umständen.
My grandmother used to say that a woman was “in other circumstances.”
In real life
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