01
schwitzen
to sweat
To release fluid (sweat) through the skin, usually due to heat, physical exertion, or fear.
example
In der Sauna fängt man schnell an zu schwitzen.
In the sauna, you quickly start to sweat.
schwitzen
to sweat
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'schwitzen' (to sweat) is closely related to the noun 'der Schweiß' (sweat). When you sweat, your body produces sweat.
EXAMPLE
Beim Marathon hat er stark geschwitzt und sein T-Shirt war voller Schweiß.
During the marathon, he sweated heavily, and his T-shirt was full of sweat.
Expressing the cause
To indicate the reason for sweating, especially with feelings such as fear or nervousness, you use the preposition 'vor' with the dative.
EXAMPLE
Der Kandidat schwitzte vor Aufregung, als er auf die Bühne ging.
The candidate sweated with excitement as he went onto the stage.
Context clue
When the context is an exam, a difficult task, or a tense situation, 'schwitzen' (to sweat) colloquially means that someone is making a great effort or is afraid.
EXAMPLE
Für diese gute Note musste ich im Examen ganz schön schwitzen.
I really had to sweat in the exam to get this good grade.
Context clue
When the subject is an object, for example a bottle, a wall, or cheese, 'schwitzen' (to sweat) describes the formation of water droplets (condensation) on the surface.
EXAMPLE
Hol die Getränke erst kurz vor dem Servieren aus dem Kühlschrank, sonst schwitzen die Flaschen.
Take the drinks out of the fridge only shortly before serving, otherwise the bottles will sweat.
Compare with
schwitzen vs bangen
to fear / to worry
'schwitzen' and 'bangen' can both have to do with fear or great tension. 'schwitzen' first describes a physical reaction: you produce sweat, for example because of heat, exercise, or fear. Colloquially, it can also mean that you are making a great effort or are very afraid. 'bangen', on the other hand, directly means great worry or fear, often about a person or thing, or before an event. 'bangen' sounds more serious and a little more elevated than 'Angst haben' (to be afraid). When the body is the focus, 'schwitzen' fits; when worry is the focus, 'bangen' fits.
schwitzen
Vor der Prüfung schwitzte Paul, obwohl der Raum gar nicht warm war.
Before the exam, Paul was sweating, even though the room was not warm at all.
bangen
Die Eltern bangten um ihr Kind, weil es nach dem Unfall im Krankenhaus lag.
The parents feared for their child because it was in the hospital after the accident.
In real life
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