Abschwellmittel
The English word decongestant can be translated into German as Abschwellmittel or Schleimlösemittel.
Meaning: drug that relieves congestion (noun)
Ways to say it
| German |
|---|
| Abschwellmittel |
| Schleimlösemittel |
In German, the specific word you choose depends on how the medication works: use Abschwellmittel for drugs that reduce swelling in the nasal passages and use Schleimlösemittel for mucolytic drugs that thin or dissolve mucus.
What does it mean word for word?
Abschwellmittel is a compound of abschwellen, which means to swell down or reduce swelling and Mittel, which means a means, agent or remedy.
Which one should you use?
Abschwellmittel refers to nasal decongestants that target swelling, while Schleimlösemittel refers to expectorants or mucolytics used to thin out mucus.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both Abschwellmittel and Schleimlösemittel have the same form in the plural as they do in the singular.
Did you know?
- In German culture, Schleim is not just a medical term for mucus but is also used as a verb schleimen to describe someone who is being a 'brown-noser' or overly flattering.
- The root lösen in Schleimlösemittel is the same word Germans use for solving a puzzle or dissolving sugar in tea.
- The word Mittel used in Abschwellmittel is a versatile term that can describe anything from a chemical agent and a medical remedy to a mathematical average.
Examples in context
- Entschuldigung, wo finde ich Nasenspray?Excuse me, where can I find nose spray?
- Hast du Nasenspray gegen Schnupfen?Do you have nose spray for a runny nose?
- Mein Arzt hat mir ein entstauendes Mittel verschrieben.My doctor prescribed me a decongestant.
- Ich brauche ein Abschwellmittel für meine Nase.I need a decongestant for my nose.
- Dieses Abschwellmittel wirkt sehr schnell.This decongestant works very quickly.
- Gibt es ein gutes Abschwellmittel in der Apotheke?Is there a good decongestant in the pharmacy?
Example conversation
Laura and Maximilian are talking in their living room.
- LauraIch kann kaum atmen, mein Kopf ist so voll.I can hardly breathe, my head is so full.
- MaximilianSoll ich dir ein Abschwellmittel aus der Apotheke holen?Should I get you a decongestant from the pharmacy?
- LauraJa, bitte, das wäre sehr lieb von dir.Yes, please, that would be very kind of you.
- MaximilianIch mache mich sofort auf den Weg.I will head out right away.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “decongestant” translations and entries Abschwellmittel, Schleimlösemittel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
