01
die Verwundung
wound
A physical injury caused by an external force such as an accident, a fight, or a weapon.
example
Der Soldat erlitt im Gefecht eine schwere Verwundung am Arm.
The soldier suffered a serious wound to his arm in combat.
die Verwundung
wound / injury
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'Verwundung' (wound/injury) is derived from the verb 'verwunden' (to wound). The ending '-ung' forms nouns from verbs that describe an action or its result. The prefix 'ver-' often indicates a negative change here.
EXAMPLE
Der Arzt behandelte die Verwundung des Patienten.
The doctor treated the patient's wound.
Register and style
The word 'Verwundung' (wound/injury) is often used in a more formal, official, or literary context. It sounds stronger and more serious than more everyday terms for injuries.
EXAMPLE
In dem Bericht des Militärs wurden alle Verwundungen detailliert aufgelistet.
All wounds were listed in detail in the military report.
Context clue: physical
When it refers to a physical injury, there are often clues in the sentence about the location of the injury or the cause. Typical adjectives are 'leicht' (minor), 'schwer' (serious), or 'tödlich' (fatal).
EXAMPLE
Er hatte eine leichte Verwundung an der Schulter.
He had a minor wound on his shoulder.
Context clue: emotional
For an emotional injury, the word is often combined with adjectives such as 'tief' (deep), 'persönlich' (personal), or 'emotional' (emotional). The context usually describes feelings, relationships, or psychological states.
EXAMPLE
Diese abfällige Bemerkung war für ihn eine tiefe persönliche Verwundung.
That derogatory remark was a deep personal wound for him.
Compare with
Verwundung vs Verletzung
injury / violation
'die Verletzung' and 'die Verwundung' can both describe physical or emotional harm. 'Verletzung' is the more general word and is more common in everyday language, for example in sports, accidents, or hurt feelings. 'Verwundung' often sounds stronger or more serious and is especially suitable for wounds caused by external violence, combat, or a weapon. Emotionally, too, 'Verwundung' usually means something deep. Learners may confuse the words because every 'Verwundung' is also a kind of 'Verletzung'. But not every 'Verletzung' is naturally called a 'Verwundung'.
Verwundung
Die Verwundung des Soldaten musste sofort im Krankenhaus behandelt werden.
The soldier's wound had to be treated immediately at the hospital.
Verletzung
Bitte geh mit der Verletzung am Arm noch heute zur Ärztin.
Please go to the doctor today with that injury to your arm.
In real life
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