niesen
/ˈniːzən/
To sneeze in German is niesen.
The verb niesen means to expel air as a reflex. You can also use the related noun Niesen to refer to the act of sneezing itself.
Meaning: expel air as a reflex (verb)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The third-person singular present form of niesen is geniest.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈniːzən/
Did you know?
- German uses the word Niesreiz to describe the specific 'sneeze-urge' or the irritating sensation in the nose that precedes the act of niesen.
- If you are sneezing because of an allergy, Germans might use the word Heuschnupfen, which literally translates to 'hay sniffles'.
- While English speakers say 'bless you', Germans typically say Gesundheit, which literally translates to 'health'.
Examples in context
- Kann ein Elefant niesen?Can an elephant sneeze?This sentence is useful for asking if an animal can perform the action.Tatoeba #3786987 by Tlustulimu, translation #9589173 by Rawrren
- Ich muss andauernd niesen.I sneeze all the time.This sentence is useful for expressing that you are sneezing constantly.Tatoeba #2096879 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2094331 by Eldad
- Was bringt mich zum Niesen?What makes me sneeze?This sentence is useful for asking about the cause of your sneezing.Tatoeba #5997058 by Oblomov, translation #5995729 by Adelpa
- Es tut mir leid, dass ich gerade geniest habe.I'm sorry for sneezing just now.
- Ich habe gerade geniest, und es war so laut!I just sneezed, and it was so loud!
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Julia are cleaning the living room.
- FelixEs ist sehr staubig hier.It is very dusty here.
- JuliaMusst du wieder niesen, Felix?Do you have to sneeze again, Felix?
- FelixJa, der Staub ist schlimm.Yes, the dust is bad.
- JuliaNimm dir ein Taschentuch.Take a tissue.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sneeze” translations and entries niesen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
