German · Body & Health
"Pain" in German: Schmerz
der Schmerz
Pain in German is der Schmerz. For ongoing aches people often say Schmerzen or Ich habe Schmerzen. Point to the spot with Schmerzen im Rücken or Schmerzen im Knie.
At the doctor
Der Schmerz kommt und geht den ganzen Tag.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce Schmerz
Say it
SHMERTS
/ʃmɛʁt͡s/
SHMERTS. Soft sch as sh. Short e. Final z sounds like ts.
"Pain" in German: quick reference
| German | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| der Schmerz | pain Main noun; plural die Schmerzen is very common. | Main noun; plural die Schmerzen is very common. |
| Schmerzen haben | to have pain Everyday way to say you hurt. | Everyday way to say you hurt. |
| starke Schmerzen | strong pain At a doctor or pharmacy. | At a doctor or pharmacy. |
| ohne Schmerzen | without pain After treatment or medicine. | After treatment or medicine. |
How to use Schmerz in real life
- 1At the doctor
Der Schmerz kommt und geht den ganzen Tag.
The pain comes and goes all day.
Der Schmerz names one pain sensation.
- 2After sport
Heute habe ich starke Schmerzen im Bein.
Today I have strong pain in my leg.
Plural Schmerzen is natural for aches.
- 3Pharmacy chat
Brauche ich etwas gegen den Schmerz?
Do I need something for the pain?
Gegen den Schmerz = for the pain.
Mistakes English speakers make with Schmerz
Incorrect: Ich habe ein Pain im Rücken.
Correct: Ich habe Schmerzen im Rücken.
Use Schmerz/Schmerzen, not English pain.
Incorrect: die Schmerz
Correct: der Schmerz
Schmerz is masculine: der Schmerz.
Good to know
At a Hausarzt visit, people describe location and strength more than dramatic words. Schmerzmittel is painkiller; asking for one at the pharmacy is normal if you explain the symptom briefly.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Checking in after a bike fall
ChatPal
Tut der Schmerz noch weh?
Does the pain still hurt?
You
Ja, der Schmerz ist dumpf, aber besser.
Yes, the pain is dull, but better.
ChatPal
Gut. Eis und Ruhe helfen oft.
Good. Ice and rest often help.
You
Okay. Wenn der Schmerz stärker wird, rufe ich an.
Okay. If the pain gets stronger, I'll call.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Pain" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Pain" in German
How do you say pain?
Der Schmerz; often die Schmerzen in the plural.
I have pain?
Ich habe Schmerzen.
Gender?
Masculine: der Schmerz.
Painkiller?
Das Schmerzmittel.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
