Durchfall haben

You use it just like any other illness in German. You combine the noun Durchfall with the verb haben. For example, Ich habe Durchfall. If it is really bad, you can add an adjective. You might say Ich habe starken Durchfall. It is a very simple and direct construction. You do not need fancy grammar here. Just stay close to the bathroom!

Use this phrase when you are at the doctor. It is perfectly professional for a medical setting. You can also use it with your boss when calling in sick. However, keep it brief in professional settings. Use it with family or very close friends. If you are traveling and eat something bad, this is your go-to phrase. It helps you get the right medicine at a pharmacy.

Do not use this at a formal dinner party. It is too much information for the table. Avoid using it on a first date. Even though Germans are direct, some things are still private. Do not use it in a job interview. Just say you are krank or have a Magen-Darm-Infekt. Save the details for people who really need to know.

Germans are famously direct about bodily functions. In many cultures, this topic is a huge taboo. In Germany, it is seen as a practical health matter. However, there is still a limit to the detail. The word Durchfall is the safe, middle-ground term. It is much better than using slang words. It shows you are being honest but still polite.

You might hear people say Dünnpfiff. This is very informal and a bit gross. It is like saying 'the runs' in English. Another common term is Magen-Darm-Grippe. This means a stomach flu. People often use this to sound slightly more 'medical'. If you want to be very formal, use Diarrhö. But honestly, Durchfall haben is what 95% of people actually say.