How to Say “It Hurts” in German

Germans, like people from any other culture, experience pain too. Whether you’re in a formal or informal setting, it’s important to know how to express the feeling of pain in the German language. In this guide, we will explore different ways to say “it hurts” in German, including both formal and informal expressions. We will also provide tips, examples, and discuss regional variations where necessary.

Formal Expressions:

When addressing someone in a formal context, such as in a professional setting or when talking to someone older or in a position of authority, it’s essential to use the appropriate level of formality. Here are some formal ways to say “it hurts” in German:

1. Es tut weh.
   This is the most common and straightforward way to express pain in German. It can be used for both physical and emotional pain. For example:
   
   

   Es tut weh, wenn ich meinen Arm bewege. (It hurts when I move my arm.)
   Es tut mir sehr leid, dass das passiert ist. (I’m very sorry that this happened.)

2. Ich habe Schmerzen.
   This is another formal expression to convey pain, focusing more on the physical aspect of discomfort. Here are a couple of examples:
   
   

   Ich habe Schmerzen in meinem Rücken. (I have pain in my back.)
   Ich habe Schmerzen nach der Operation. (I have pain after the surgery.)

3. Es bereitet mir Schmerzen.
   This phrase is more formal and indicates that something is causing pain. It’s often used in a medical or professional context. Here’s an example:
   
   

   Die Verletzung bereitet mir starke Schmerzen. (The injury is causing me severe pain.)

Informal Expressions:

When speaking in an informal context, such as with friends or family members, you can use more casual expressions to convey pain. Here are some informal ways to say “it hurts” in German:

1. Das tut weh.
   This is the informal equivalent of “es tut weh” mentioned earlier. It’s commonly used among friends or family members. For example:
   
   

   Das tut weh, wenn ich darauf drücke. (It hurts when I press on it.)
   Das tut mir echt leid, dass du dich verletzt hast. (I’m really sorry that you got hurt.)

2. Das schmerzt.
   This phrase has a slightly stronger impact and emphasizes the feeling of pain. It can be used informally with friends or acquaintances. Here’s an example:
   
   

   Das schmerzt echt! (That really hurts!)

3. Ich hab’ Aua.
   This is a playful and childlike way to express pain in German. It’s usually used among very close friends or family members. For instance:
   
   

   Ich hab’ Aua am Knie. (I have an ouchie on my knee.)
   Komm her, Mama, ich hab’ Aua. (Come here, Mom, I have an ouchie.)

Regional Variations:

The German language is spoken in many regions, and there might be slight variations in expressions related to pain. Here are a couple of examples:

1. Das macht weh.
   In some regions, particularly in southern Germany and Austria, the phrase “Das macht weh” is used to express pain instead of “Es tut weh.” Both phrases have the same meaning, but the regional variation exists. Here’s an example:
   
   

   Das macht weh, wenn ich mein Bein belaste. (It hurts when I put weight on my leg.)

2. Es schmerzt mich.
   In certain regions, especially in northern Germany, people might use “Es schmerzt mich” instead of “Es tut weh” to convey pain. The difference is subtle, and both phrases are widely understood across Germany. For example:
   
   

   Es schmerzt mich, wenn ich mich bewege. (It hurts me when I move.)
   Es schmerzt mich, dass du so traurig bist. (It pains me to see you so sad.)

Remember, when in doubt, using the more common expressions “Es tut weh” or “Das tut weh” will always be understood, regardless of region or context.

Learning how to express pain in German not only enables you to communicate your discomfort, but it also helps you understand and empathize with others. So, whether you’re speaking formally or informally, use these phrases with confidence, and remember that pain is a universal experience we all share.