to swell
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to swell
To increase in volume, thickness, or circumference, typically as a reaction to an injury, inflammation, or fluid accumulation in body tissue. The verb is irregular (schwillt, schwoll, ist geschwollen).
Nach dem Insektenstich begann sein Arm sofort zu schwellen.
After the insect bite, his arm immediately began to swell.
'Schwellen' (to swell) describes a change of state and therefore always forms the perfect tense with the auxiliary verb 'sein' (to be). A common source of errors is using 'haben' (to have).
Sein Fuß ist nach der Wanderung stark geschwollen.
His foot became very swollen after the hike.
You can recognize the meaning from context: if it is about body parts, the literal, medical meaning is intended. If it is about sounds, feelings, or abstract things, the figurative meaning is intended.
Sein Knie ist nach dem Sturz geschwollen.
His knee is swollen after the fall.
In the medical meaning, 'schwellen' (to swell) is almost always used in connection with body parts. Typical examples are: the ankle, the knee, the eye, or the lip swells.
Nach dem Zahnarztbesuch war meine Wange geschwollen.
After the dentist appointment, my cheek was swollen.
In the figurative meaning, 'schwellen' (to swell) is often used for things that can be heard or felt. Common combinations are: the music, the noise, the singing, the anger, or the pride swells.
Seine Brust schwoll vor Stolz, als er die Medaille erhielt.
His chest swelled with pride when he received the medal.
to rise / climb
'steigen' and 'schwellen' can both express an increase, but they fit different situations. 'steigen' is general and is used for values, amounts, or a level, for example temperature, prices, or pressure. 'schwellen' is used especially when a body part becomes thicker, for example after an injury. Figuratively, a voice, a sound, or a feeling can also become stronger. Learners may confuse the words because both mean 'to become more'. For numbers and values, you usually say 'steigen'; for tissue becoming thicker or feelings becoming stronger, 'schwellen' fits better.
Nach dem Sturz schwillt ihr Knöchel schnell an.
After the fall, her ankle quickly swells up.
Nach dem Unfall steigt der Druck auf die Firma.
After the accident, the pressure on the company is rising.