Schwarm
/ʃvaʁm/masculine
In German, the English word 'crush' is translated as Schwarm.
Schwarm is a noun used to describe a person or the feeling of being infatuated with someone, often in a way that is short-lived or unrequited. While in English 'crush' can function as both a noun and a verb, Schwarm is strictly a noun. To express the idea of 'having a crush', you would use a phrase such as einen Schwarm haben.
Meaning: love or infatuation or its object (often short-lived or unrequited) (noun)
Which one should you use?
Unlike the English word 'crush', which can be used as a verb, Schwarm is strictly a noun. To express the verb 'to have a crush', you must use a phrase like einen Schwarm haben.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Schwarm is Schwärme.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃvaʁm/
Did you know?
- The word Schwarm shares the same linguistic roots as the English word 'swarm', referring to a large group of insects or birds.
- While Schwarm means 'crush', the verb schwärmen can also mean to rave enthusiastically about a hobby, a historical figure or a place.
- In a completely different context, a German speaker might use Schwarm to describe a 'swarm' of bees or a large, moving cluster of people.
Examples in context
- Er war mein erster Schwarm.He was my first crush.This sentence uses Schwarm to describe a past crush.Tatoeba #6107584 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3382734 by Hybrid
- Tom war Marias erster Schwarm.Tom was Mary's first crush.This sentence uses Schwarm to identify a specific person as a crush.Tatoeba #7452708 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #6124033 by CK
- Weißt du noch, wer dein erster Schwarm war?Do you remember who your first crush was?This sentence uses Schwarm to ask about a past crush.Tatoeba #12391840 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #9828264 by DJ_Saidez
- Ich bin in dich verknalltI have a crush on you.
- Ich habe Gefühle für dichI have feelings for you.
- Ich bin scharf auf dichI'm crushing on you or I'm hot for you.
- Ich bin in dich vernarrtI'm infatuated with you.
- Ich habe Gefühle für dich und bin in dich verknalltI have feelings for you and have a crush on you.
- Du bist toll und ich bin in dich verknallt. Möchtest du vielleicht mit mir ausgehen?You're great, and I have a crush on you. Would you like to go out with me?
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are chatting about their past school memories.
- SarahHattest du in der Schule einen Schwarm?Did you have a crush in school?
- MaximilianJa, ich hatte einen Schwarm auf eine Mitschülerin.Yes, I had a crush on a classmate.
- SarahWar dein Schwarm nett zu dir?Was your crush nice to you?
- MaximilianSie war sehr freundlich, aber ich war zu schüchtern.She was very friendly, but I was too shy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “crush” translations and entries Schwarm, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Schwarm, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
