etwas tut weh
The German phrase for "something hurts" is etwas tut weh.
The phrase is used to communicate that a part of the body is experiencing physical pain. You can replace etwas with a specific body part to specify the location of the pain, such as in the sentence "Mein X tut weh."
Which one should you use?
While etwas tut weh is used to describe a general sensation of pain, the phrase es schmerzt serves as a more formal or intense way to express that something is painful.
How does it change in a sentence?
This phrase uses the separable verb wehtun. In this construction, tut is the conjugated form of the verb and the prefix weh is moved to the end of the clause.
Did you know?
- The word weh also appears in the phrase Wehe dir!, which means 'Woe betide you!' or 'You'll be in trouble!' It shifts the meaning from feeling pain to threatening that someone else will feel it.
- The word weh can also appear in the term Wehwehchen, which is a colloquial way to describe a small, insignificant ache or a 'little woe'.
- The word weh in the phrase etwas tut weh shares a common ancestor with the English word 'woe'.
Examples in context
- Mein Kopf tut wehMy head hurts
- Mein Bein tut wehMy leg hurts
- Entschuldigen Sie, mein Rücken tut weh. Könnten Sie mir bitte helfen?Excuse me, my back hurts. Could you please help me?
- Oh Mann, mein Magen tut echt weh nach diesem Essen.Oh man, my stomach really hurts after that meal.
Example conversation
Julian is visiting Laura who has an injury.
- JulianWie geht es deinem Fuß, Laura?How is your foot, Laura?
- LauraIch glaube, etwas tut weh, wenn ich laufe.I think something hurts when I walk.
- JulianSoll ich einen Arzt anrufen?Should I call a doctor?
- LauraJa, das wäre sehr nett, Julian.Yes, that would be very kind, Julian.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries etwas, weh, CC BY-SA 4.0.
