bowel movement
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bowel movement
The excretion of feces from the intestine. The term is used in medicine and in more formal language and can refer both to the process itself and to the result, the stool.
Der Arzt fragte den Patienten, ob er regelmäßigen Stuhlgang habe.
The doctor asked the patient whether he had regular bowel movements.
The word is made up of 'Stuhl' and 'Gang'. Here, 'Stuhl' is an outdated, genteel term for the toilet (compare 'Nachtstuhl', chamber pot), and 'Gang' describes the process. So it is a paraphrase for 'der Gang zur Toilette' (going to the toilet).
Eine ballaststoffreiche Ernährung fördert einen gesunden Stuhlgang.
A high-fiber diet promotes healthy bowel movements.
'Stuhlgang' is a medical term or is used in a very formal, detached context. When speaking with a doctor, it is the appropriate word; in everyday conversation among friends, you would not use it.
Der Arzt fragte nach der Häufigkeit und Konsistenz des Stuhlgangs.
The doctor asked about the frequency and consistency of the bowel movements.
Common phrases are 'Stuhlgang haben' (to have a bowel movement), 'regelmäßigen Stuhlgang haben' (to have regular bowel movements), or 'Probleme mit dem Stuhlgang haben' (to have problems with bowel movements). Adjectives often used with it include 'fest' (firm), 'weich' (soft), and 'flüssig' (liquid).
Seit einigen Tagen habe ich keinen Stuhlgang mehr.
I haven't had a bowel movement for several days.
shop / business
'sein Geschäft machen' and 'der Stuhlgang' can both have to do with going to the toilet. 'sein Geschäft machen' (to do one's business) is a careful and indirect expression; it is often used with children or animals. It can also stand generally for urinating or having a bowel movement. 'der Stuhlgang' is more precise and formal, especially in medical conversations. It means excretion from the intestine. In everyday language, 'Stuhlgang' sounds rather factual or medical, while 'sein Geschäft machen' sounds softer and less direct.
Die Ärztin fragte den Patienten, ob der Stuhlgang wieder normal ist.
The doctor asked the patient whether his bowel movements were back to normal.
Der Hund hat im Park sein Geschäft gemacht.
The dog did its business in the park.