Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Durchfall | /ˈdʊʁçˌfal/ | masculine |
| Dünnschiss | /ˈdʏnʃɪs/ | informal, masculine |
| Diarrhö | /diaˈʁøː/ | feminine |
| Diarrhoe | /diaˈʁøː/ | feminine |
What does it mean word for word?
The word Durchfall is a compound made of durch, meaning "through" and Fall, meaning "fall", which literally translates to a "falling through".
Which one should you use?
Durchfall is the standard, everyday term used in both casual and medical contexts. In contrast, Diarrhö and Diarrhoe are formal medical terms.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a highly formal or clinical setting, you can use the feminine nouns Diarrhö or Diarrhoe. If you are in a very casual or blunt setting, the vulgar and highly informal term Dünnschiss can be used, which is similar to saying "the runs" or "liquid shit" in English. There is also the slang expression Flitzekacke haben.
How does it change in a sentence?
Durchfall is a masculine noun and takes the article der in the nominative case. The medical terms Diarrhö and Diarrhoe are feminine nouns and take the article die.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈdʊʁçˌfal/
Did you know?
- The slang term Flitzekacke haben uses the verb flitzen, which means to dash or scurry, implying the urgency of needing a toilet.
- The standard word Durchfall is a literal translation of the Ancient Greek word δῐᾰ́ρροιᾰ, which also means 'flowing through'.
- The spelling Diarrhoe reflects the influence of French medical terminology on the German language.
Examples in context
- Das Kind hat Durchfall.The baby has diarrhea.This sentence shows how to state that a baby has Durchfall.Tatoeba #10054118 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #10053320 by ddnktr
- Ich brauche etwas gegen Durchfall.I need diarrhea medicine.This sentence is useful for expressing a need for medicine for Durchfall.Tatoeba #7917932 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #436849 by lukaszpp
- Von Orangensaft bekomme ich Durchfall.Orange juice gives me diarrhea.This sentence demonstrates how to say that a specific food causes Durchfall.Tatoeba #6964787 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #6796858 by Eccles17
- Entschuldigen Sie, aber ich leide an Durchfall. Können Sie mir bitte sagen, wo die nächste Apotheke ist?Excuse me, but I'm suffering from diarrhea. Could you please tell me where the nearest pharmacy is?
- Mann, ich hab heftigen Durchfall. Ich muss ständig auf die Toilette rennen!Dude, I have severe diarrhea. I have to rush to the toilet all the time!
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas is calling Laura because he cannot come to work.
- LukasIch kann heute nicht kommen, ich habe Durchfall.I can't come in today, I have diarrhea.
- LauraDas tut mir leid, Lukas. Gehst du zum Arzt?I'm sorry, Lukas. Are you going to the doctor?
- LukasJa, ich gehe gleich in die Praxis.Yes, I'm going to the clinic shortly.
- LauraGute Besserung! Ruh dich bitte aus.Get well soon! Please get some rest.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “diarrhea” translations and entries Durchfall, Dünnschiss, Diarrhö, Diarrhoe, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Durchfall, Dünnschiss, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
