Zahnen
In German, teething is expressed as Zahnen.
Zahnen refers to the eruption of milk teeth. You can also use the phrase Der Durchbruch der Zähne to specifically mean the eruption of teeth, or Der Beißring to refer to a teething ring.
Meaning: eruption of milk teeth (noun)
Which one should you use?
Zahndurchbruch is a formal term for teething often used in medical settings.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun Zahnen is neuter and takes the definite article das.
Did you know?
- In German, the phrase die Zähne zeigen means 'to show one's teeth', but it is a common idiom for becoming aggressive or showing hostility.
- German uses the word Durchbruch in Der Durchbruch der Zähne, which is the same word used for a 'breakthrough' in science or a military 'breakthrough'.
- While Zahnen describes the baby's process, Germans often use the word Zahnfee to describe the 'tooth fairy' who visits once those first teeth eventually fall out.
Examples in context
- Der Zahndurchbruch kann bei Babys einige Monate in Anspruch nehmen.Teething can take several months in babies.
- Mein Baby ist gerade am Zahnen und hat ständig Schmerzen.My baby is currently teething and experiencing constant pain.
- Mein Kind ist zwölf Monate alt und bekommt endlich Zähne.My child is twelve months old and is finally getting teeth.
- Der Durchbruch der Zähne kann zu unruhigem Schlaf führen.The eruption of teeth can lead to restless sleep.
- Das Zahngel hilft, die Schmerzen beim Zahnen zu lindern.The teething gel helps alleviate pain during teething.
- Ein Beißring kann Babys beim Zahnen Entlastung verschaffen.A teething ring can provide relief for babies during teething.
- Das Zahnen ist oft sehr anstrengend.Teething is often very exhausting.
Example conversation
A couple is discussing their baby's behavior at home.
- FelixIst das Zahnen bei dem kleinen Mann schon so schlimm?Is the teething already so bad for the little man?
- HannahJa, Felix, er ist heute sehr unruhig.Yes, Felix, he is very restless today.
- FelixSoll ich ihm vielleicht einen neuen Beißring bringen?Should I perhaps bring him a new teething ring?
- HannahDas wäre eine sehr gute Idee, danke.That would be a very good idea, thanks.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Zahnen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
