In 15 Seconds
- The standard German verb for physical sweating.
- Used for heat, exercise, or high-stress situations.
- Commonly used in the phrase 'ins Schwitzen kommen'.
Meaning
It's exactly what happens when you're at the gym or sitting in the sun. It describes the physical act of perspiring, but Germans also use it when a situation gets stressful.
Key Examples
3 of 6Walking outside in July
Es ist so heiß, ich schwitze total!
It is so hot, I am sweating totally!
At the gym with a friend
Das Training heute bringt mich echt ins Schwitzen.
Today's workout is really making me sweat.
In a high-pressure job interview
Die Fragen vom Chef haben mich ins Schwitzen gebracht.
The boss's questions made me sweat.
Cultural Background
Sauna culture is huge. Sweating is seen as a social and health-conscious activity. It is common for colleagues or friends to go to the sauna together. The concept of 'Fleiß' (diligence) is often linked to physical effort. Sweating at work is sometimes seen as a badge of honor for manual laborers. Germans have many idioms for sweating because they value directness about bodily functions more than some other cultures. There is a belief in 'Ausschwitzen' (sweating it out) when you have a cold. People will drink hot tea and wrap themselves in blankets to sweat.
The 'Du' Rule
Always remember 'du schwitzt'. Adding an extra 's' is the most common written mistake.
Don't use 'sein'
Never say 'Ich bin schwitzen'. It's always 'Ich schwitze'.
In 15 Seconds
- The standard German verb for physical sweating.
- Used for heat, exercise, or high-stress situations.
- Commonly used in the phrase 'ins Schwitzen kommen'.
What It Means
Schwitzen is the standard German verb for sweating. It’s a basic A1-level word that every traveler needs. You use it when the sun is blazing. You use it after a long run. It covers everything from a light glow to being soaked. It’s a very direct, honest word.
How To Use It
Using it is simple because it follows regular verb rules. You say Ich schwitze for "I am sweating." If you want to say something makes you sweat, use bringen. For example, Das Training bringt mich ins Schwitzen. This literally means "The training brings me into sweating." It’s a very common way to describe a tough workout. Just remember to conjugate it correctly for the person.
When To Use It
Use it whenever you feel the heat. It's perfect for small talk about the weather. You’ll hear it at the gym constantly. It’s also great for describing a stressful exam. If you’re at a spicy food challenge, this is your word. It’s neutral enough for most daily conversations.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using it in very formal medical reports. Doctors might prefer transpirieren for a more clinical tone. Don't use it to describe a "sweaty" person's personality. In English, we might call someone "sweaty" as an insult. In German, schwitzen stays focused on the physical act. Also, don't use it for "sweating the small stuff." Germans have different idioms for worrying.
Cultural Background
Germans have a massive sauna culture. Sweating is seen as a healthy, cleansing ritual. In a German sauna, people take it very seriously. There is even a person called an Aufgussmeister. They pour water on hot stones to make you sweat more. For Germans, sweating isn't just gross; it's a wellness activity. It’s about endurance and health.
Common Variations
You will often hear ins Schwitzen kommen. This means you are starting to feel the pressure. Another one is schweißtreibend. This describes an activity that makes you sweat a lot. Think of a steep mountain hike. If you are totally soaked, you are nassgeschwitzt. These variations help you sound more like a local.
Usage Notes
The verb is regular and neutral. It is perfectly acceptable in everyday conversation, at work, and in casual settings. Just be mindful of the context when using it metaphorically for stress.
The 'Du' Rule
Always remember 'du schwitzt'. Adding an extra 's' is the most common written mistake.
Don't use 'sein'
Never say 'Ich bin schwitzen'. It's always 'Ich schwitze'.
Sauna Etiquette
If you talk about 'schwitzen' in a sauna context, remember that Germans take the health aspect seriously!
Examples
6Es ist so heiß, ich schwitze total!
It is so hot, I am sweating totally!
A very common way to complain about summer heat.
Das Training heute bringt mich echt ins Schwitzen.
Today's workout is really making me sweat.
Uses the common 'ins Schwitzen bringen' structure.
Die Fragen vom Chef haben mich ins Schwitzen gebracht.
The boss's questions made me sweat.
Metaphorical use for being under pressure.
Bin nassgeschwitzt, muss erst mal duschen! 🏃♂️
I'm soaked in sweat, need to shower first!
Uses the compound adjective 'nassgeschwitzt'.
Uff, das Curry ist scharf. Ich schwitze schon!
Phew, this curry is spicy. I'm already sweating!
Relatable moment at a restaurant.
Ich schwitze vor Nervosität.
I am sweating because of nervousness.
Expressing physical reaction to emotion.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'schwitzen' in the present tense.
Im {der|m} Sommer _______ ich sehr viel.
The subject is 'Ich', so the ending is '-e'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
How do you say 'You (singular) are sweating'?
In German, the 's' is dropped when the stem ends in 'z'.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
A: Wie war das {das|n} Training? B: Sehr anstrengend! Ich habe _______.
The dialogue requires the past participle (Perfekt) because the training is over.
Match the usage of 'schwitzen' to the situation.
Situation: You are cooking onions for a soup.
'Anschwitzen' is the specific culinary term for sautéing.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Schwitzen vs. Frieren
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIm {der|m} Sommer _______ ich sehr viel.
The subject is 'Ich', so the ending is '-e'.
How do you say 'You (singular) are sweating'?
In German, the 's' is dropped when the stem ends in 'z'.
A: Wie war das {das|n} Training? B: Sehr anstrengend! Ich habe _______.
The dialogue requires the past participle (Perfekt) because the training is over.
Situation: You are cooking onions for a soup.
'Anschwitzen' is the specific culinary term for sautéing.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is a neutral biological term. However, in very formal settings, avoid graphic descriptions of sweating.
'Schwitzen' is the everyday word. 'Transpirieren' is more formal or medical.
Yes, though for some animals like dogs, Germans might say 'hecheln' (pant) because they don't sweat through skin.
You can say 'Ich bin verschwitzt' or simply 'Ich schwitze'.
Mostly onions and garlic, but it can be used for any vegetable you sauté lightly.
It means to start feeling the pressure of a difficult task or situation.
Because the 'z' already contains an 's' sound (/ts/), so a third 's' would be redundant and hard to pronounce.
Yes, like a cold glass of water in the sun ('Das {das|n} Glas schwitzt').
Literally a 'sweat box', it's the German word for a headlock in wrestling.
It's very informal and a bit crude, but not usually offensive among friends.
Related Phrases
ins Schwitzen kommen
similarTo start sweating or to get into a stressful situation.
Blut und Wasser schwitzen
specialized formTo be extremely nervous or afraid.
anschwitzen
specialized formTo sauté vegetables.
ausschwitzen
specialized formTo sweat out a fever or to finish sweating.
schweißtreibend
builds onSweat-inducing (adjective).
