Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Qual | /kvaːl/ | feminine |
| Agonie | feminine | |
| Pein | /paɪ̯n/ | feminine |
The word Qual is the most common and versatile way to express both intense physical pain and profound mental distress. You can use it to specify the type of suffering, such as körperliche Qual for physical agony or seelische Qual for mental agony. If you want to describe the physical reaction to such pain, you might use the phrases vor Schmerzen schreien (to scream in pain) or sich winden vor Schmerz (to writhe in pain). While related, the word Leiden refers to suffering and is used to describe a state of agony or distress.
Which one should you use?
While Qual refers broadly to intense physical or mental suffering, Agonie is a more formal term used in medical or psychological contexts, often specifically to describe the process of dying or intense mental anguish. Pein translates to torment or anguish.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Qual is a standard, versatile term. Agonie and Pein are both formal, but Pein is archaic and rarely used in everyday modern German. Agonie is often reserved for formal, medical or psychological descriptions.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form Qualen is frequently used to describe repeated or intense bouts of suffering, such as agonies or torments.
How do you pronounce it?
/kvaːl/
Did you know?
- The word Qual can be used to describe a boring or tedious task, such as a 'Qual der Wahl' which refers to the agony of having too many choices.
- In German, the word Agonie is almost exclusively used to describe the final moments of life, whereas the English 'agony' can describe any intense pain.
- The German word Qual is a direct linguistic relative of the English word 'ail', which comes from the same Germanic root meaning to suffer or be ill.
Examples in context
- Liebe ist Qual, Lieblosigkeit ist Tod.Love is agony, lovelessness is death.This example shows the use of Qual in a metaphorical sense.Tatoeba #1336063 by Esperantostern, translation #6219912 by carlosalberto
- In der Stunde ihres Todes erleidet sie Qualen.At the time of her death, she suffers agony.This example shows how Qualen is used to describe suffering during a person's death.Tatoeba #6166303 by list, translation #6167014 by carlosalberto
- Der Patient litt große QualThe patient endured great agony.
- Sie ertrug das Leiden tapferShe bore the agony bravely.
- Er empfand unerträgliche PeinHe felt unbearable agony.
- Das ist die reinste Hölle!This is pure agony!
- Die Qual ist kaum zu ertragen.The agony is barely bearable.
Example conversation
Felix and Laura are talking about a difficult physical therapy session.
- FelixWie war deine Therapie heute, Laura?How was your therapy today, Laura?
- LauraEs war eine echte Qual für mich.It was real agony for me.
- FelixTut es immer noch so weh?Does it still hurt that much?
- LauraJa, aber es wird hoffentlich bald besser.Yes, but hopefully it will get better soon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “agony” translations and entries Qual, Agonie, Pein, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Pein, Qual, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
