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.
to swell
In a figurative sense, to increase in volume, intensity, or emotional strength.
Die Musik schwoll zu einem dramatischen Höhepunkt an.
The music swelled to a dramatic climax.
'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
When referring to volume or intensity, „steigen“ and „schwellen“ can both describe an increase. „Steigen“ sounds neutral and factual. „Schwellen“ often describes the increase more figuratively and has stronger emotional or literary overtones.
Im dunklen Saal schwillt die Musik langsam zu einem mächtigen Klang an.
In the dark hall, the music slowly swells into a powerful sound.
Laut Messbericht steigt die Lautstärke der Musik langsam.
According to the measurement report, the volume of the music is slowly increasing.
