Auswurf
The German word for sputum is Auswurf.
Auswurf refers to the matter that is coughed up and expectorated from the mouth.
Meaning: matter coughed up and expectorated from the mouth (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of aus (out) and Wurf (throw/cast), which literally means something thrown out.
Which one should you use?
While Auswurf specifically describes the substance being expelled via coughing, Schleim refers more generally to mucus.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Sputum is the technical medical term used in clinical settings. For an informal way to say sputum, you can use Schleim.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is masculine and uses the article der in the nominative case. In the accusative case, it becomes den Auswurf.
Did you know?
- In a historical context, German cities once had Spucknäpfe or spitting pots in public spaces to manage the disposal of Auswurf during tuberculosis epidemics.
- In a professional printing or typesetting context, an Auswurf can refer to a 'printout' or a piece of data that has been 'thrown out' from a system.
- If you describe a person's speech as 'schleimig', you are not talking about their phlegm, but rather calling them 'slimy' or 'fawning' in a social sense.
Examples in context
- Ich habe Auswurf.I am coughing up sputum.This sentence is useful for expressing that you are coughing up Auswurf.Tatoeba #10707904 by AutoBot, translation #10707902 by AutoBot
- Ihre Hustensymptome könnten durch den Auswurf verursacht werden.Your cough symptoms could be caused by the sputum.
- Der Arzt prüfte den Auswurf auf Anzeichen von Infektionen.The doctor examined the sputum for signs of infection.
- Ich habe seit einigen Tagen viel Schleim gehustet.I have been coughing up a lot of sputum for a few days.
- Achte auf die Farbe des Schleims, um eine mögliche Infektion festzustellen.Pay attention to the color of the sputum to identify a potential infection.
- Der Auswurf war gelblich und dickflüssig.The sputum was yellowish and thick.
- Der Arzt untersuchte den Auswurf.The doctor examined the sputum.
- Der Auswurf war blutig.The sputum was bloody.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A man is describing his symptoms to a female nurse.
- JuliaHaben Sie auch Auswurf?Do you also have sputum?
- FelixJa, ich habe seit gestern Auswurf.Yes, I have had sputum since yesterday.
- JuliaIst der Auswurf farbig?Is the sputum discolored?
- FelixEr ist gelblich.It is yellowish.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
