Kopfschmerzen
[ˈkɔp͡fˌʃmɛʁt͡sən]masculine, plural
The English phrase headache is expressed in German as Kopfschmerzen. If unsure, use Kopfschmerzen. Wiktionary also lists Kopfweh and Kopfschmerz.
Meaning: pain or ache in the head (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Kopfschmerzen | [ˈkɔp͡fˌʃmɛʁt͡sən] (narrow) | masculine, plural |
| Kopfweh | /ˈkɔp͡fˌveː/ | neuter |
| Kopfschmerz | /ˈkɔp͡fˌʃmɛʁt͡s/ | masculine |
In German, several words can be used to describe a pain or ache in the head.
What does it mean word for word?
Kopfschmerzen is a compound of Kopf (head) and Schmerzen (pains). Kopfweh is a compound of Kopf (head) and Weh (ache/pain).
Which one should you use?
Kopfschmerzen is the most common way to express a headache and is suitable for both medical and everyday contexts. Kopfweh is a more colloquial alternative.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because Kopfschmerzen is a plural noun, you must use plural verbs and possessive pronouns, such as Meine Kopfschmerzen sind… (My headaches are…). Because Kopfweh is a neuter singular noun, you use singular verbs and possessive pronouns, such as Mein Kopfweh ist… (My headache is…).
Did you know?
- A 'headache' of a different kind is expressed as Kopfkino, which literally means 'head cinema' and refers to imagining a vivid scenario in one's mind.
- While Kopfschmerzen refers to physical pain, the phrase Kopfzerbrechen describes the 'head-breaking' mental effort of solving a difficult puzzle or problem.
- The colloquial Kopfweh shares a root with the exclamation Weh!, which is used to express sudden physical pain or grief.
Examples in context
- Mein Kopfweh ist weg.My headache is gone.This sentence shows how to use Kopfweh in the singular.Tatoeba #1046405 by Esperantostern, translation #758246 by vgigregg
- Er litt an Kopfschmerzen.He was suffering from a headache.This sentence shows how to use Kopfschmerzen in a sentence about suffering from a condition.Tatoeba #8224505 by Luiaard, translation #10119779 by sundown
- Meine Kopfschmerzen sind weg.My headache has gone.This sentence shows how to use Kopfschmerzen with a plural verb and possessive pronoun.Tatoeba #1353969 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #280175 by CK
- Ich habe starke KopfschmerzenI have a severe headache
- Mir ist übel, und ich habe KopfwehI feel sick, and I have a headache
- Mein Kopf tut so weh, ich glaube, ich habe einen MigräneanfallMy head hurts so badly, I think I'm having a migraine attack
- Entschuldigen Sie, ich habe Kopfschmerzen. Könnten Sie mir bitte eine Aspirin geben?Excuse me, I have a headache. Could you please give me an aspirin?
- 185 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Julian are at home in the evening.
- SarahHast du starke Kopfschmerzen?Do you have a bad headache?
- JulianJa, mein Kopf tut weh.Yes, my head hurts.
- SarahSoll ich dir eine Tablette bringen?Should I bring you a pill?
- JulianJa, das wäre sehr nett, danke.Yes, that would be very kind, thanks.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “headache” translations and entries Kopfschmerzen, Kopfweh, Kopfschmerz, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
