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B1 noun 11 min de lectura

Schwellung

Ejemplos Schwellung en 30 segundos
Explicación Schwellung in your Level:
At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'Schwellung' means 'swelling.' Think of it as a word you might need if you get hurt. You might say 'Mein Fuß ist dick' (My foot is thick/big), but a doctor will use the word 'Schwellung.' It comes from 'schwellen,' which means 'to get bigger.' Remember it is 'die Schwellung' (feminine). You can use it in very simple sentences like 'Ich habe eine Schwellung' (I have a swelling). It is a useful word for basic health and body topics. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet, just recognize the word when you see it in a pharmacy or at a doctor's office. It's often related to pain ('Schmerz') and ice ('Eis'). If you see a part of your body that is bigger than usual after an accident, that is a Schwellung. It is one of those words that ends in '-ung,' and almost all words ending in '-ung' are feminine ('die'). This is a great rule to help you remember the gender from the very beginning of your German journey.
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At the A2 level, you should be able to use 'Schwellung' in slightly more detailed sentences. You can describe where the swelling is: 'Ich habe eine Schwellung am Knie' (I have a swelling on my knee). You can also use simple adjectives like 'groß' (big) or 'klein' (small). At this level, you start to learn about the body and health in more depth. You might need to tell a pharmacist 'Die Schwellung tut weh' (The swelling hurts). You should also notice that the plural is 'Schwellungen.' For example, 'Er hat Schwellungen an den Händen' (He has swellings on his hands). You are beginning to understand that 'Schwellung' is a noun, and the verb is 'schwellen' or 'anschwellen.' If you go to the doctor, they might ask: 'Seit wann haben Sie diese Schwellung?' (Since when have you had this swelling?). Being able to answer this question shows you are moving beyond basic phrases into real-world communication about your physical state.
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At the B1 level, 'Schwellung' is a key vocabulary word for the 'Health' and 'Accidents' modules. You should be able to describe the symptoms of an injury in detail. For example, 'Nach dem Insektenstich entwickelte sich eine starke Schwellung' (After the insect bite, a severe swelling developed). You should also know common verbs that go with it, like 'abklingen' (to subside) or 'kühlen' (to cool). 'Man muss die Schwellung kühlen, damit sie zurückgeht' (One must cool the swelling so that it recedes). You are expected to use the correct articles in different cases, such as 'wegen der Schwellung' (genitive/dative usage depending on context). You might also encounter the word in more technical instructions, like 'Bei anhaltender Schwellung suchen Sie bitte einen Arzt auf' (If the swelling persists, please see a doctor). This level requires you to move from just naming the condition to discussing its treatment and its progression over time. You should also be able to distinguish 'Schwellung' from other terms like 'Beule' (bump) or 'Entzündung' (inflammation).
At the B2 level, your use of 'Schwellung' becomes more sophisticated. You can use it in professional or semi-professional contexts, such as describing a patient's condition or discussing biological processes. You might use compound words like 'Gelenkschwellung' (joint swelling) or 'Schleimhautschwellung' (swelling of the mucous membrane). You understand the nuances of the word and can use it metaphorically or in abstract contexts, though this is still less common than the physical meaning. For example, you might read about the 'Schwellung eines Flusses' (the swelling of a river) in a news report about heavy rain. You are also familiar with the medical suffix '-om' which often implies a Schwellung (e.g., Hämatom). Your grammar should be precise: 'Trotz der starken Schwellung gab es keinen Knochenbruch' (Despite the severe swelling, there was no bone fracture). You can discuss the causes of a Schwellung using more complex vocabulary like 'Flüssigkeitsansammlung' (accumulation of fluid) or 'Gefäßerweiterung' (vasodilation).
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At the C1 level, you encounter 'Schwellung' in specialized literature, medical journals, or high-level journalism. You understand the word's role in describing complex physiological reactions. You can use the word in abstract, stylistic ways. For instance, 'Die Schwellung der Töne in der Symphonie erzeugte eine dramatische Atmosphäre' (The swelling of the tones in the symphony created a dramatic atmosphere). You are aware of the word's etymology and its connection to the Indo-European root meaning 'to boil' or 'to swell.' You can participate in deep discussions about health policy or medical ethics where 'Schwellungen' might be mentioned as side effects of certain treatments. You understand the difference between 'Schwellung' and 'Schwulst' in a literary context, where 'Schwulst' refers to an overloaded, turgid style of writing. Your use of prepositions and cases with 'Schwellung' is flawless, and you can use it in complex passive constructions: 'Die Schwellung konnte durch die Gabe von Antihistaminika rasch reduziert werden' (The swelling could be rapidly reduced through the administration of antihistamines).
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At the C2 level, you have a near-native command of 'Schwellung' and all its related forms. You can appreciate the word in classical German literature (like Goethe or Schiller), where it might be used to describe the rising of a tide or the emotional 'swelling' of the heart. You understand the most technical medical distinctions, such as the difference between an inflammatory 'Schwellung' and a neoplastic 'Raumforderung' (mass). You can use the word with extreme precision in academic writing, perhaps in a thesis on biology or musicology. You are also sensitive to the rhythmic qualities of the word in poetry. For you, 'Schwellung' is not just a symptom; it's a concept of expansion and internal pressure that can be applied to many fields. You might use it to describe the 'Schwellung' of a sail in the wind or the 'Schwellung' of a population in a specific region. Your vocabulary is so rich that you can choose between 'Schwellung,' 'Anschwellen,' 'Ausdehnung,' and 'Tumor' based on the exact register and nuance required for the most sophisticated communication.
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Ejemplos

Schwellung en 30 segundos

  • Schwellung means swelling and is a feminine noun (die Schwellung).
  • It is primarily used in medical and first-aid contexts to describe injuries.
  • Common verbs used with it are 'abklingen' (subside) and 'kühlen' (cool).
  • It belongs to the word family of 'schwellen' (to swell).

The German noun Schwellung refers to a physical enlargement or increase in volume of a body part or tissue, typically caused by fluid accumulation, inflammation, or injury. In English, we translate this simply as 'swelling.' It is a feminine noun (die Schwellung), and its plural form is die Schwellungen. While it is primarily a medical or biological term, its roots are deeply embedded in the German language, stemming from the verb schwellen (to swell or to expand).

Medical Context
In a clinical setting, a Schwellung is one of the five cardinal signs of inflammation (tumor). Doctors look for Schwellungen to diagnose sprains, infections, or allergic reactions. For example, after an insect bite, the localized area might show a significant Schwellung.
Everyday Physicality
In daily life, people use this word when they bump their head or twist an ankle. It is the immediate visual feedback of an injury. If you wake up with puffy eyes, you might refer to them as 'Schwellungen unter den Augen,' although 'geschwollene Augen' (the adjective) is also common.
Abstract and Technical Use
Beyond biology, Schwellung can occasionally describe the rising of waters or the expansion of materials, though 'Anschwellen' (the gerund) is more frequent for rivers. In music, a 'Schwellung' refers to a crescendo or an increase in volume and intensity.

Nach dem Sturz bemerkte er eine starke Schwellung am rechten Knöchel.

(After the fall, he noticed severe swelling on his right ankle.)

Understanding the word requires recognizing its relationship with the concept of pressure. A Schwellung is often painful because the tissue is stretched from within. In German culture, where outdoor activities and sports like hiking or football are popular, knowing how to describe a Schwellung to a pharmacist or doctor is a vital B1-level skill. You will hear it in pharmacies ('Was hilft gegen die Schwellung?') and in sports news ('Der Spieler fällt wegen einer Schwellung im Knie aus').

Die Schwellung im Gesicht ist zum Glück über Nacht zurückgegangen.

(Fortunately, the swelling in the face subsided overnight.)

Furthermore, the word is often paired with verbs like 'abklingen' (to subside) or 'zurückgehen' (to recede). If you are treating a Schwellung, you are likely 'kühlen' (cooling) it. This logical chain of events—injury, Schwellung, cooling, and the Schwellung receding—forms a standard narrative block in German medical vocabulary. It is not just a static noun; it is part of a process of healing that learners must navigate.

Kühlen Sie die Schwellung sofort mit Eis.

(Cool the swelling immediately with ice.)

In summary, 'Schwellung' is a versatile and essential noun. Whether you are dealing with a minor bee sting or a serious sports injury, this word allows you to pinpoint the physical manifestation of the problem. It carries a sense of 'fullness' or 'bursting,' which is linguistically linked to the English word 'swell,' making it relatively intuitive for English speakers to remember once the 'Sch-' sound and the '-ung' suffix are mastered.

Using Schwellung correctly involves more than just knowing its definition; you must understand its grammatical behavior. As a feminine noun ending in -ung, it always takes the feminine articles (die, einer, der) and follows standard declension patterns. In sentences, it often acts as the subject of a recovery process or the object of a medical treatment.

As a Subject
When the swelling itself is doing something (like growing or shrinking), it is the subject. 'Die Schwellung schmerzt' (The swelling hurts). Note how the verb must agree with the singular noun.
With Prepositions
Common prepositions include 'an' (at/on) and 'wegen' (because of). 'Eine Schwellung am Knie' (A swelling on the knee). 'Wegen der Schwellung kann ich nicht gehen' (Because of the swelling, I cannot walk).
Compound Construction
German loves compounds. You might see 'Gelenkschwellung' (joint swelling) or 'Hautschwellung' (skin swelling). These specify the location within a single word.

Haben Sie eine Schwellung bemerkt?

(Have you noticed any swelling?)

When describing the intensity of the swelling, you use adjectives like stark (strong/severe), leicht (light/minor), or schmerzhaft (painful). 'Die starke Schwellung deutet auf einen Bruch hin' (The severe swelling indicates a fracture). In medical reports, you might see the phrase 'ohne sichtbare Schwellung' (without visible swelling), which is a common way to rule out certain types of trauma.

Durch das Kühlen wird die Schwellung reduziert.

(Through cooling, the swelling is reduced.)

In more advanced usage, 'Schwellung' can appear in the plural when multiple sites are affected. 'Die Schwellungen an seinen Händen waren besorgniserregend' (The swellings on his hands were worrying). It can also be used figuratively in literature to describe a 'Schwellung' of emotions or music, though this is less common than its physical counterpart. In such cases, it conveys a sense of something becoming 'too much' or 'overflowing'.

Die Schwellung ist ein typisches Symptom einer Entzündung.

(Swelling is a typical symptom of inflammation.)

Lastly, pay attention to the verb 'abklingen'. It is the most natural verb to pair with 'Schwellung' to say it is going away. 'Sobald die Schwellung abgeklungen ist, können wir operieren' (As soon as the swelling has subsided, we can operate). This combination is high-frequency in both professional and casual German.

The word Schwellung is ubiquitous in Germany, a country known for its active lifestyle and robust healthcare system. You are most likely to encounter it in four primary environments: medical facilities, sports clubs, pharmacies, and during discussions about natural disasters like floods.

At the Doctor (Beim Arzt)
If you go to a German 'Hausarzt' after an accident, the first question might be: 'Gibt es eine Schwellung?' (Is there any swelling?). It is a key diagnostic term used by professionals to assess the severity of an injury.
In the Pharmacy (In der Apotheke)
When buying an ointment (Salbe) or a gel, the pharmacist will explain: 'Diese Salbe hilft, die Schwellung zu lindern' (This ointment helps to alleviate the swelling). You will see the word printed on thousands of tubes of 'Voltaren' or 'Mobilat' in German drugstores.
Sports and Fitness
In a 'Fußballverein' (football club), players often discuss their 'Schwellungen' after a hard match. It is part of the common parlance of physical recovery and performance.

Der Arzt untersuchte die Schwellung sehr genau.

(The doctor examined the swelling very closely.)

In a less common but important context, 'Schwellung' appears in environmental reports. When a river's water level rises rapidly, experts might talk about the 'Schwellung des Flusses' (the swelling of the river), although 'Hochwasser' is more common for the flood itself. This usage highlights the word's core meaning of expansion due to internal pressure.

Ohne die Schwellung wäre die Diagnose schwieriger gewesen.

(Without the swelling, the diagnosis would have been more difficult.)

You might also hear it in the context of allergies. If someone has a 'Heuschnupfen' (hay fever), they might complain about 'Schwellungen der Nasenschleimhaut' (swelling of the nasal mucosa). This technical yet common phrase is something you would hear in TV commercials for nasal sprays. The word is thus a bridge between everyday pain and specialized medical terminology.

Die Schwellung ist nach der Operation völlig normal.

(The swelling is completely normal after the operation.)

Finally, in literature or high-level journalism, you might encounter the 'Schwellung' of a sound or a feeling. For instance, a 'Schwellung des Stolzes' (a swelling of pride) describes someone becoming visibly more arrogant. While metaphorical, the physical imagery of expanding and taking up more space remains the central idea.

Learning Schwellung comes with a few linguistic pitfalls that English speakers often fall into. The most frequent errors involve confusing it with similar-looking words, misapplying the gender, or using the wrong verb to describe its disappearance.

Confusing with 'Schwelle'
The word 'die Schwelle' means 'threshold' or 'doorstep.' While it sounds similar, it has nothing to do with medical swelling. Saying 'Ich habe eine Schwelle am Fuß' would mean you have a doorstep on your foot!
Confusing with 'Schwulst'
'Der Schwulst' can mean a growth or tumor, but in modern German, it often refers to 'bombast' or 'turgidity' in writing (excessively ornate style). Use 'Schwellung' for standard physical swelling.
Gender Errors
Many learners assume medical conditions might be masculine or neuter. Remember the '-ung' rule: all nouns ending in '-ung' are feminine. It is never 'der Schwellung' or 'das Schwellung'.

Falsch: Der Schwellung geht weg.

Richtig: Die Schwellung geht zurück.

(Correcting the gender and the verb for 'receding'.)

Another common mistake is using 'schwellen' (the verb) when a noun is required. For example, saying 'Ich habe ein schwellen' is incorrect; you must say 'Ich habe eine Schwellung'. Conversely, don't use 'Schwellung' as a verb. Use 'anschwellen' if you want to say something is currently in the process of getting bigger.

Es ist keine Schwellung, sondern nur ein blauer Fleck.

(It's not a swelling, but just a bruise.)

Finally, be careful with the plural. While 'Schwellungen' is the correct plural, learners sometimes forget to change the article and the verb ending. 'Die Schwellungen sind' (plural) vs. 'Die Schwellung ist' (singular). Also, ensure you don't confuse 'Schwellung' with 'Schwellenwert' (threshold value), a term often used in statistics and science.

Die Schwellung muss beobachtet werden.

(The swelling must be observed.)

By avoiding these common traps, you will sound much more natural. Focus on the feminine gender, the '-ung' suffix, and the specific verbs that accompany the lifecycle of a swelling. This precision is what separates a B1 learner from a beginner.

While Schwellung is the standard term for swelling, German offers several nuances depending on the cause and appearance of the enlargement. Understanding these synonyms will help you choose the most precise word for the situation.

Beule (f.) vs. Schwellung
A 'Beule' is specifically a bump or a localized knot, usually on the head or a hard surface. You get a 'Beule' if you hit your head on a cupboard. A 'Schwellung' is more general and can be diffuse (spread out).
Ödem (n.) vs. Schwellung
An 'Ödem' is a medical term for water retention in the tissue. While all 'Ödeme' cause 'Schwellungen,' not all 'Schwellungen' are 'Ödeme' (they could be caused by blood or cell growth).
Entzündung (f.) vs. Schwellung
'Entzündung' means inflammation. A 'Schwellung' is often a result of an 'Entzündung.' You might say: 'Die Entzündung hat eine starke Schwellung verursacht.'

Er hat eine dicke Beule am Kopf, aber keine großflächige Schwellung.

(He has a thick bump on his head, but no widespread swelling.)

Other alternatives include 'Geschwulst' (f.), which can mean a tumor or a growth, often carrying a more serious medical connotation than a simple 'Schwellung.' In very informal speech, someone might say 'das dicke Ding' (the thick thing) to refer to a swollen area, but this is imprecise. 'Verdickung' (f.) is another synonym, often used for a thickening of tendons or skin.

Das Ödem in den Beinen führt zu einer sichtbaren Schwellung.

(The edema in the legs leads to visible swelling.)

When describing the process of swelling, the verb 'aufquellen' is used specifically for things soaking up liquid (like wood in water or dried beans), while 'anschwellen' is used for body parts or rivers. Understanding these distinctions prevents you from saying your ankle is 'aufgequollen' (which would sound like it's made of wood or sponge) instead of 'angeschwollen'.

Diese Verdickung der Sehne ist keine akute Schwellung.

(This thickening of the tendon is not an acute swelling.)

In summary, 'Schwellung' is your reliable middle-ground word. It is professional enough for a doctor's office but simple enough for a child to use. By knowing its neighbors like 'Beule' and 'Ödem,' you can refine your descriptions and achieve a higher level of fluency in German medical and everyday contexts.

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Ejemplos por nivel

1

Ich habe eine Schwellung am Fuß.

I have a swelling on the foot.

Simple nominative/accusative usage with 'haben'.

2

Die Schwellung ist rot.

The swelling is red.

Subject-verb-adjective structure.

3

Hast du eine Schwellung?

Do you have a swelling?

Question form with 'haben'.

4

Meine Schwellung tut weh.

My swelling hurts.

Possessive pronoun 'meine' (feminine).

5

Hier ist eine kleine Schwellung.

Here is a small swelling.

Usage of the indefinite article 'eine'.

6

Das Eis hilft gegen die Schwellung.

The ice helps against the swelling.

Preposition 'gegen' takes the accusative.

7

Ist die Schwellung groß?

Is the swelling big?

Simple interrogative sentence.

8

Die Schwellung geht weg.

The swelling is going away.

Present tense of 'weggehen'.

1

Die Schwellung am Knöchel ist heute dicker.

The swelling on the ankle is thicker today.

Comparative adjective 'dicker'.

2

Nach dem Sport hatte er eine Schwellung.

After sports, he had a swelling.

Past tense 'hatte' (Präteritum).

3

Warum hast du diese Schwellung am Arm?

Why do you have this swelling on your arm?

Demonstrative pronoun 'diese'.

4

Die Schwellung ist nach zwei Tagen verschwunden.

The swelling disappeared after two days.

Perfect tense with 'sein' + 'verschwunden'.

5

Ich brauche eine Salbe gegen Schwellungen.

I need an ointment for swellings.

Plural form 'Schwellungen'.

6

Die Schwellung kommt von einem Bienenstich.

The swelling comes from a bee sting.

Preposition 'von' with dative.

7

Kühlen Sie die Schwellung regelmäßig.

Cool the swelling regularly.

Imperative form (formal 'Sie').

8

Ohne Schwellung ist es kein Bruch.

Without swelling, it's not a fracture.

Preposition 'ohne' takes the accusative.

1

Wenn die Schwellung nicht zurückgeht, müssen wir zum Arzt.

If the swelling doesn't go down, we must go to the doctor.

Conditional 'wenn' clause.

2

Die Schwellung ist ein Zeichen für eine Entzündung.

The swelling is a sign of inflammation.

Preposition 'für' with accusative.

3

Trotz der Schwellung konnte er noch laufen.

Despite the swelling, he could still walk.

Preposition 'trotz' with genitive.

4

Wegen der starken Schwellung passt der Schuh nicht.

Because of the severe swelling, the shoe doesn't fit.

Preposition 'wegen' with genitive.

5

Die Schwellung muss sofort mit Eis behandelt werden.

The swelling must be treated immediately with ice.

Passive voice with modal verb 'muss'.

6

Beobachten Sie, ob die Schwellung größer wird.

Observe whether the swelling gets bigger.

Indirect question with 'ob'.

7

Die Salbe reduziert die Schwellung innerhalb weniger Stunden.

The ointment reduces the swelling within a few hours.

Preposition 'innerhalb' with genitive.

8

Es gibt keine sichtbare Schwellung an der Wunde.

There is no visible swelling at the wound.

Adjective 'sichtbar' modifying 'Schwellung'.

1

Die Schwellung der Lymphknoten deutet auf einen Infekt hin.

The swelling of the lymph nodes indicates an infection.

Genitive 'der Lymphknoten' and separable verb 'hindeuten'.

2

Eine allergische Schwellung kann lebensgefährlich sein.

An allergic swelling can be life-threatening.

Compound adjective 'lebensgefährlich'.

3

Die Schwellung ist auf eine Flüssigkeitsansammlung zurückzuführen.

The swelling is attributable to an accumulation of fluid.

Passive-like construction 'ist auf ... zurückzuführen'.

4

Durch die Schwellung wird der Druck auf die Nerven erhöht.

The pressure on the nerves is increased by the swelling.

Passive voice with 'wird ... erhöht'.

5

Die Schwellung klang erst nach einer Woche vollständig ab.

The swelling only fully subsided after a week.

Past tense of 'abklingen'.

6

Es kam zu einer massiven Schwellung des Gewebes.

A massive swelling of the tissue occurred.

Impersonal 'Es kam zu...' construction.

7

Die Schwellung erschwert die Beweglichkeit des Gelenks.

The swelling makes the mobility of the joint difficult.

Verb 'erschweren' with direct object.

8

Die Schwellung ist lokal begrenzt.

The swelling is locally limited.

Adverbial use of 'lokal'.

1

Die Schwellung der Schleimhäute ist ein klassisches Symptom.

The swelling of the mucous membranes is a classic symptom.

Genitive plural 'der Schleimhäute'.

2

Eine Schwellung kann auch ohne Schmerzempfinden auftreten.

A swelling can also occur without a sensation of pain.

Compound noun 'Schmerzempfinden'.

3

Die Schwellung resultiert aus einer gesteigerten Kapillarpermeabilität.

The swelling results from increased capillary permeability.

High-register medical terminology.

4

Nach der OP ist mit einer vorübergehenden Schwellung zu rechnen.

After the surgery, a temporary swelling is to be expected.

Construction 'ist mit ... zu rechnen'.

5

Die Schwellung der Saiten beeinflusst den Klang der Harfe.

The swelling of the strings affects the sound of the harp.

Abstract/technical usage in musicology.

6

Das Medikament unterbindet die Schwellung bereits im Ansatz.

The medication stops the swelling right at the start.

Idiomatic 'im Ansatz'.

7

Die Schwellung des Budgets wurde scharf kritisiert.

The swelling (inflation) of the budget was sharply criticized.

Metaphorical usage in economics.

8

Eine chronische Schwellung erfordert eine gründliche Untersuchung.

A chronic swelling requires a thorough examination.

Adjective 'chronisch' and 'gründlich'.

1

Die rhetorische Schwellung seiner Rede wirkte auf viele ermüdend.

The rhetorical turgidity of his speech seemed tiring to many.

Abstract metaphorical usage (rhetoric).

2

Die Schwellung der Flüsse erreichte historische Höchststände.

The swelling of the rivers reached historical peaks.

Formal journalistic/scientific reporting.

3

In der Schwellung des Herzens erkannte sie ihre tiefe Zuneigung.

In the swelling of her heart, she recognized her deep affection.

Literary/poetic usage.

4

Die Schwellung des Segels kündigte den aufkommenden Sturm an.

The swelling of the sail announced the approaching storm.

Descriptive literary imagery.

5

Eine pathologische Schwellung bedarf differenzialdiagnostischer Abklärung.

A pathological swelling requires differential diagnostic clarification.

Highly technical medical German.

6

Die Schwellung der Töne gipfelte in einem triumphalen Finale.

The swelling of the tones culminated in a triumphant finale.

Musical analysis register.

7

Die Schwellung der Knospen im Frühling ist ein Wunder der Natur.

The swelling of the buds in spring is a miracle of nature.

Nature-focused poetic prose.

8

Jede Schwellung des Stolzes führt letztlich zum Fall.

Every swelling of pride ultimately leads to a fall.

Philosophical/proverbial usage.

Colocaciones comunes

starke Schwellung
Schwellung abklingen
Schwellung kühlen
sichtbare Schwellung
Schwellung zurückgehen
Schwellung verursachen
lokale Schwellung
schmerzhafte Schwellung
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