In 15 Seconds
- Use 'Zahnschmerzen haben' to report any kind of dental pain.
- Always use the plural 'Schmerzen' for a natural, native sound.
- It is appropriate for both the dentist and casual friends.
Meaning
This is the most common way to say you have a toothache. It literally means 'to have tooth pains' and is used whenever your teeth are hurting.
Key Examples
3 of 6Calling the dentist for an appointment
Guten Tag, ich habe seit gestern starke Zahnschmerzen.
Hello, I've had a bad toothache since yesterday.
Declining a snack from a friend
Nein danke, ich kann nichts essen, ich habe Zahnschmerzen.
No thanks, I can't eat anything, I have a toothache.
Texting a colleague to explain an absence
Ich komme heute später, ich habe furchtbare Zahnschmerzen.
I'm coming in later today, I have a terrible toothache.
Cultural Background
The 'Bonusheft' system encourages Germans to visit the dentist even when they don't have Zahnschmerzen. This makes dental health a common topic of conversation regarding insurance. In Switzerland, the term 'Zahnweh' is much more common than 'Zahnschmerzen' in daily life. Austrians also frequently use 'Zahnweh' and might use the word 'Beißerchen' (little biters) informally when talking to children about their teeth. In some German-speaking communities abroad, the phrase has remained very formal, while 'Zahnweh' has become the dominant informal term.
Always Plural
Even if it's just one tooth, always say 'Zahnschmerzen' (plural).
Don't use 'sein'
Never say 'Ich bin Zahnschmerzen'. It's always 'Ich habe...'.
In 15 Seconds
- Use 'Zahnschmerzen haben' to report any kind of dental pain.
- Always use the plural 'Schmerzen' for a natural, native sound.
- It is appropriate for both the dentist and casual friends.
What It Means
Zahnschmerzen haben is your go-to phrase for dental distress. It combines Zahn (tooth) and Schmerzen (pains). In German, we usually use the plural Schmerzen even if only one tooth hurts. It sounds natural and direct. It is not an idiom with a hidden meaning. It simply describes physical pain in your mouth.
How To Use It
You use the verb haben (to have) just like in English. You conjugate haben to match the person who is suffering. For example, Ich habe Zahnschmerzen (I have a toothache). If you want to say the pain is really bad, add starke. Ich habe starke Zahnschmerzen. It is a very flexible phrase. You can use it in the past tense too. Ich hatte gestern Zahnschmerzen.
When To Use It
Use this at the dentist's office or when calling in sick to work. It is perfect for telling a friend why you can't eat that hard crusty bread. Use it if you are at a party and need to explain why you aren't smiling. It is also common in text messages to cancel plans. If you are at a pharmacy, this phrase helps the pharmacist find the right medicine for you.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for emotional pain. Germans are quite literal with their body parts. If your heart is broken, don't say you have toothache. Also, avoid using the singular Zahnschmerz in casual conversation. It sounds a bit poetic or overly dramatic. Stick to the plural Schmerzen. If you just have a tiny bit of sensitivity, you might say meine Zähne sind empfindlich instead.
Cultural Background
Germans take dental health very seriously. Many people go for a Kontrolluntersuchung (check-up) twice a year. If you tell a German you have Zahnschmerzen, they will likely ask: Warst du schon beim Zahnarzt? (Have you been to the dentist yet?). It is a culture that values proactive health care. There is also a famous German saying, 'Einem geschenkten Gaul schaut man nicht ins Maul.' This means don't look a gift horse in the mouth—basically, don't complain about gifts!
Common Variations
You might hear Zahnweh. This is a bit more colloquial and common in Southern Germany or Austria. Weh is a cute, shorter way to say pain. You can also say Mir tut der Zahn weh. This means 'My tooth hurts me.' Both are perfectly fine, but Zahnschmerzen haben is the standard version you will see in textbooks and hear in clinics.
Usage Notes
The phrase is universally understood and safe to use in any setting. Note that 'Schmerzen' is always plural in this context. It is a very direct way to communicate physical discomfort.
Always Plural
Even if it's just one tooth, always say 'Zahnschmerzen' (plural).
Don't use 'sein'
Never say 'Ich bin Zahnschmerzen'. It's always 'Ich habe...'.
Intensity
Use 'furchtbare' or 'unerträglich' to sound like a native when you're in real pain.
Directness
It's okay to tell your boss you have Zahnschmerzen; it's seen as a very valid medical issue.
Examples
6Guten Tag, ich habe seit gestern starke Zahnschmerzen.
Hello, I've had a bad toothache since yesterday.
Using 'starke' emphasizes the urgency to the receptionist.
Nein danke, ich kann nichts essen, ich habe Zahnschmerzen.
No thanks, I can't eat anything, I have a toothache.
A simple way to explain why you aren't eating.
Ich komme heute später, ich habe furchtbare Zahnschmerzen.
I'm coming in later today, I have a terrible toothache.
'Furchtbar' adds a touch of drama and emphasizes the pain.
Mama, ich habe Zahnschmerzen von den Süßigkeiten!
Mama, I have a toothache from the sweets!
Commonly used by children after eating too much sugar.
Dieser Kuchen ist so süß, ich bekomme davon fast Zahnschmerzen.
This cake is so sweet, I'm almost getting a toothache from it.
A hyperbolic way to say something is overly sugary.
Ich habe keine Zahnschmerzen, aber mein Zahnfleisch blutet.
I don't have a toothache, but my gums are bleeding.
Useful for clarifying what is NOT the problem.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'haben'.
Ich ___ seit gestern starke Zahnschmerzen.
The subject is 'Ich', so the verb must be 'habe'.
Which sentence is correct?
A: Ich habe einen Zahnschmerz. B: Ich habe Zahnschmerzen.
In German, we use the plural 'Zahnschmerzen' without an article.
Complete the dialogue.
Zahnarzt: 'Was ist das Problem?' Patient: 'Ich ___ ___.'
The standard response to a dentist's question is 'Ich habe Zahnschmerzen'.
Match the phrase to the situation: 'Ich habe furchtbare Zahnschmerzen.'
Where would you say this?
This is a medical complaint best suited for a dentist.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Pain Types
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIch ___ seit gestern starke Zahnschmerzen.
The subject is 'Ich', so the verb must be 'habe'.
A: Ich habe einen Zahnschmerz. B: Ich habe Zahnschmerzen.
In German, we use the plural 'Zahnschmerzen' without an article.
Zahnarzt: 'Was ist das Problem?' Patient: 'Ich ___ ___.'
The standard response to a dentist's question is 'Ich habe Zahnschmerzen'.
Where would you say this?
This is a medical complaint best suited for a dentist.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it's very common and means 'My tooth hurts'. 'Zahnschmerzen haben' is slightly more general.
Yes, 'Zahnweh' is a more informal, regional synonym used mostly in the South.
Use 'Ich habe starke Zahnschmerzen' or 'Ich habe heftige Zahnschmerzen'.
No, usually you say 'Ich habe Zahnschmerzen' without 'die' or 'einen'.
The phrase remains the same: 'Ich habe Zahnschmerzen'.
Always use 'Zahnschmerzen' in the plural for the condition.
Yes, 'Das Baby hat Zahnschmerzen' is perfectly correct.
Say: 'Haben Sie etwas gegen Zahnschmerzen?'
Yes, it combines 'Zahn' (tooth) and 'Schmerzen' (pains).
In a medical report, you might see 'Odontalgie', but 'Zahnschmerzen' is used even by doctors.
Related Phrases
Zahnweh
synonymToothache (informal/regional)
Kopfschmerzen haben
similarTo have a headache
Bauchschmerzen haben
similarTo have a stomachache
den Zahn ziehen
builds onTo pull a tooth
Zahnbeschwerden
specialized formDental complaints
