ich habe Kopfschmerzen
The English phrase "I have a headache" is translated into German as ich habe Kopfschmerzen.
You use ich habe Kopfschmerzen to express that you are experiencing a headache. To describe the specific nature of the pain, you can place an adjective before the noun Kopfschmerzen, such as stark, dumpf or pochend.
Meaning: I have a headache (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The word Kopfschmerzen is a compound noun consisting of Kopf, meaning head and Schmerzen, meaning pains.
How does it change in a sentence?
Unlike English, which uses the singular "headache", the German word Kopfschmerzen is used in its plural form.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid trying to use a singular form like einen Kopfschmerz to mean "a headache". You should use the plural Kopfschmerzen instead.
Did you know?
- If someone has a headache from drinking too much alcohol, they might refer to it as a Kater, which literally means 'male cat'.
- In some German dialects, people might say Mir brummt der Kopf, which literally means 'my head is humming' to describe a headache from stress or noise.
- If your headache is 'dull', you would use the adjective dumpf, which is also used in German to describe a heavy, muffled sound.
Examples in context
- Ich habe Kopfschmerzen und keine Tabletten mehr im Haus.I have a headache, and there aren't any tablets left in the house.This sentence is useful for expressing that you have a headache and have run out of tablets at home.Tatoeba #11129899 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #11588105 by sundown
- Ich habe Kopfschmerzen!I have a headache!This sentence is a simple way to state that you have a headache.Tatoeba #12443756 by Waldelfe, translation #12225852 by Orange
- Ich habe Kopfschmerzen. Ich war heute zu lange in der Sonne.I have a headache. I was too long today in the sun.This sentence is useful for explaining that you have a headache because you were in the sun too long.Tatoeba #6164039 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #6164254 by carlosalberto
- Mir ist schwindelig, ich habe KopfschmerzenI'm feeling dizzy, I have a headache
- Ich habe starke KopfschmerzenI have a strong headache
- Entschuldigen Sie, aber ich leide unter starken Kopfschmerzen. Könnten Sie mir eine Aspirin geben, bitte?Excuse me, but I'm suffering from a strong headache. Could you give me an aspirin, please?
- Mann, mir brummt der Schädel echt übel. Hast du vielleicht eine Tablette?Man, my head is really buzzing badly. Do you happen to have a pill?
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Felix are sitting in a cafe.
- JuliaIch habe Kopfschmerzen.I have a headache.
- FelixOh, tut mir leid, Julia.Oh, I am sorry, Julia.
- JuliaVielleicht brauche ich etwas Ruhe.Maybe I need some rest.
- FelixJa, geh nach Hause und ruh dich aus.Yes, go home and rest.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “I have a headache” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
