Verstopfung
/fɛʁˈʃtɔpfʊŋ/feminine
The English phrase 'constipation' is translated into German as Verstopfung. Wiktionary also lists Obstipation.
Meaning: state of bowels (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Verstopfung | /fɛʁˈʃtɔpfʊŋ/ | feminine |
| Obstipation | feminine |
Verstopfung is the most common and widely understood term for constipation in German.
Which one should you use?
Verstopfung is the common everyday word. In contrast, Obstipation is the technical medical term. For highly formal or scientific contexts, the term Stuhlträgheit is also used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun Verstopfung is a feminine noun and takes the article die.
How do you pronounce it?
/fɛʁˈʃtɔpfʊŋ/
Did you know?
- The word Verstopfung is used for any kind of blockage, such as a 'clogged pipe' or a 'stuffy nose' eine Verstopfung in der Nase.
- The medical term Obstipation shares a Latin root with the English 'obstinate'. In both languages, the underlying idea is a stubborn resistance or an obstacle that refuses to move.
- The term Stuhlträgheit literally translates to 'stool laziness'.
Examples in context
- Leiden Sie an Verstopfung?Do you suffer from constipation?This sentence is useful for asking if someone suffers from Verstopfung.Tatoeba #880097 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3411685 by corvard
- Ich leide an chronischer Verstopfung.I'm suffering from chronic constipation.This sentence is useful for describing suffering from chronic Verstopfung.Tatoeba #732753 by Dejo, translation #322629 by Dejo
- Ich habe Verstopfung.I have constipation.This sentence is useful for stating that you have Verstopfung.Tatoeba #799554 by Hans_Adler, translation #10708520 by AutoBot
- Entschuldigen Sie bitte, aber ich habe Verstopfung. Gibt es hier eine Apotheke in der Nähe?Excuse me, but I have constipation. Is there a pharmacy nearby?
- Mir ist total unwohl. Ich glaube, meine Verdauung streikt.I feel really uncomfortable. I think my digestion is on strike.
Example conversation
Hannah and Julian are talking in the kitchen about health.
- HannahJulian, hast du auch oft Verstopfung?Julian, do you also often have constipation?
- JulianNein, ich habe dieses Problem nicht.No, I don't have this problem.
- HannahDas ist gut, meine Verstopfung ist schmerzhaft.That is good, my constipation is painful.
- JulianDu solltest vielleicht mehr Wasser trinken.Maybe you should drink more water.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “constipation” translations and entries Verstopfung, Obstipation, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Verstopfung, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
