What does it mean word for word?
The verb erbrechen is composed of the prefix er- (indicating a result or process) and brechen (to break), literally meaning 'to break forth'.
Which one should you use?
When referring to the substance itself, Erbrochenes is the formal or neutral noun, whereas Kotze is a slang term for the substance. For the action of vomiting, erbrechen is the standard term while kotzen is a colloquial equivalent similar to the English 'to barf' or 'to puke'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
erbrechen is the standard, more formal or medical term for vomiting. In contrast, kotzen is a common, colloquial way to say 'to vomit'. Regarding the substance, Erbrochenes is formal/neutral while Kotze is slang.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The simple past tense of erbrechen is erbrach. The past participle is erbrochen, which is used to form perfect tenses, such as 'hat erbrochen'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɛɐ̯ˈbʁɛçən/
Did you know?
- The term kotzen is quite versatile in German slang and can sometimes be used metaphorically to express intense disgust toward a situation or an idea.
- In German, the phrase mir kommt es hoch is a common euphemism meaning 'it is coming up', used to signal that someone is about to vomit.
- The verb erbrechen is a cognate of the Old English verb ābrecan, which meant 'to shatter' or 'to break apart'.
Examples in context
- In den ersten Monaten der Schwangerschaft musste sie öfter erbrechen.In the first months of the pregnancy she had to vomit frequently.This sentence is useful for describing the frequency of the action using erbrechen.
- Ich musste mich übergebenI had to vomit.
- Gestern musste ich kotzenYesterday I had to vomit.
- Der Patient leidet unter Erbrechen.The patient suffers from vomiting.
- Haben Sie Übelkeit empfunden, bevor Sie sich übergeben haben?Did you experience nausea before vomiting?
- Nach der Party musste ich mich übergeben, es war echt schlimm!After the party, I had to vomit, it was really bad!
- Mir ist total übel, ich glaube, ich muss kotzen.I feel really sick, I think I need to vomit.
- Er musste nach dem Essen erbrechen.He had to vomit after eating.
Example conversation
Maximilian and Laura are at home, and Laura feels sick.
- MaximilianLaura, geht es dir nicht gut?Laura, do you not feel well?
- LauraNein, ich muss mich gleich erbrechen.No, I am going to vomit soon.
- MaximilianSoll ich dir einen Eimer bringen?Should I bring you a bucket?
- LauraJa, bitte, das wäre sehr lieb.Yes, please, that would be very kind.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry erbrechen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries erbrechen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
