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schwellen

B1 verb #7,500 most common 8 min read

schwellen

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips schwellen in 30 Seconds

Explanation schwellen in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use the verb 'schwellen' actively yet, as it is quite complex. Instead, you might learn the word 'dick' to describe something that is big or swollen. For example, if you hurt your hand, you might say: 'Meine Hand ist dick.' However, you might encounter the word in very simple contexts, like a doctor telling you that a part of your body is 'geschwollen' (swollen). At this stage, just recognize that 'geschwollen' means something has become bigger because of an injury. You should focus on basic verbs of change first, but knowing that 'schwellen' relates to size is a good start. You won't be expected to conjugate it or use its past tenses. Just think of it as a word for 'getting bigger' in a medical or natural way. If you see it in a picture book, it might describe a river after a lot of rain. Keep it simple: big = dick, becoming big = schwellen.

At the A2 level, you can start recognizing 'schwellen' in common situations, especially at the doctor or when talking about the weather. You might learn the adjective 'geschwollen'. For example: 'Mein Fuß ist geschwollen, ich kann nicht laufen.' (My foot is swollen, I cannot walk). You will also notice that it often appears with the prefix 'an-', as in 'anschwellen'. This is a separable verb. In the present tense, you might see: 'Der Fluss schwillt an.' It is important to notice the vowel change from 'e' to 'i' in the third person (er/sie/es schwillt). You don't need to master the past tense (schwoll) yet, but you should be able to use the perfect tense with 'sein': 'Es ist angeschwollen.' This will help you describe minor injuries or changes in nature. You are moving from the simple word 'dick' to the more precise 'geschwollen'.

At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'schwellen' and 'anschwellen' correctly in various contexts. You understand that it is a strong verb with the forms 'schwellen - schwillt - schwoll - ist geschwollen'. You can use it to describe physical symptoms to a doctor with more detail: 'Die Wunde schwillt immer weiter an, obwohl ich sie kühle.' You also start to use it metaphorically, for example, to describe music getting louder or a crowd growing. You are aware that 'geschwollen' can be an adjective describing not just a body part, but also a way of speaking (pompous). You can distinguish between the physical act of swelling and the result. This word is very useful for the 'Health' and 'Nature' modules of the B1 exam. You should also be able to use the opposite verb 'abschwellen' (to go down/subside), which is essential for talking about recovery from an injury.

At the B2 level, you should have a firm grasp of the nuances of 'schwellen'. You know the difference between the strong intransitive use (ist geschwollen) and the rare weak transitive use (hat geschwollte Segel). You can use the word in formal reports, such as describing a rising flood level or a growing social problem: 'Die Protestwelle schwoll in den sozialen Medien schnell an.' You understand and can use idioms like 'Ihm schwillt der Kamm' (He's getting angry). Your vocabulary includes related nouns like 'die Schwellung' and 'der Schwellenwert' (threshold). You can also use the adjective 'geschwollen' to critique a text or a speech that is too complicated. You are comfortable using the past tense 'schwoll' in narrative writing and can accurately place the 'ge-' in 'angeschwollen' in complex sentence structures.

At the C1 level, you use 'schwellen' with stylistic precision. You can use it in literary or academic contexts to describe abstract growth or mounting tension. You might use it to describe a 'schwellender Konflikt' (a mounting conflict) or 'schwellende Töne' in a sophisticated music review. You are aware of its etymological roots and how it relates to words in other Germanic languages. You can discuss the subtle difference between 'anschwellen', 'aufschwellen', and 'emporschwellen'. Your use of the word is no longer limited to physical swelling; you use it to add drama and imagery to your descriptions. You can also handle the passive voice and subjunctive forms of the verb without hesitation. You might use the word in a sentence like: 'Hätte der Wind die Segel nicht so mächtig geschwellt, wäre das Schiff nie rechtzeitig angekommen,' showing mastery of the transitive weak form.

At the C2 level, you have a near-native command of 'schwellen'. You recognize it in the most obscure literary passages and understand all its metaphorical implications. You can use it to describe the 'Anschwellen der Weltbevölkerung' (the swelling of the world population) or the 'Schwellen' of a poetic meter. You understand the historical development of the word and its shifts between strong and weak conjugation over the centuries. You can use the word in highly specialized fields, such as linguistics or hydrology, with perfect accuracy. You might also use it in creative writing to evoke specific moods, such as the 'schwellende Dunkelheit' (swelling darkness) of a stormy night. For you, 'schwellen' is a versatile tool that you can bend to any rhetorical purpose, from the clinical description of a medical condition to the most flowery prose.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

schwellen in 30 Seconds

Schwellen means 'to swell' or 'to increase in volume'. It is a key verb for medical and nature descriptions.
It is a strong verb (schwillt, schwoll, ist geschwollen) when used intransitively, which is the most common form.
Commonly used with prefixes like 'an-' (anschwellen) for physical injuries or rising water levels.
Metaphorically, it describes growing emotions like pride or anger, or sound getting louder.

The German verb schwellen is a fascinating word that primarily describes the process of increasing in volume, size, or intensity. At its core, it translates to "to swell" in English. However, its application spans across various domains, from medical contexts involving physical injuries to the poetic descriptions of nature and the metaphorical expression of human emotions. Understanding schwellen requires a grasp of its dual nature: it can function as both a strong verb (intransitive, meaning something expands on its own) and, more rarely or poetically, as a weak verb (transitive, meaning something causes something else to expand).

Physical Expansion: This is the most common usage. When a part of the body increases in size due to fluid accumulation, inflammation, or injury, we use schwellen (often as the prefix verb anschwellen). For example, after a bee sting, the skin will swell. In medical German, you might hear a doctor talk about 'geschwollene Lymphknoten' (swollen lymph nodes).

Nach dem Sturz begann sein Knie sofort zu schwellen.

Natural Phenomena: In nature, schwellen describes rivers rising after heavy rain or buds expanding in spring before they bloom. It conveys a sense of mounting pressure and growing energy. When a river 'schwillt an', it suggests a dangerous increase in water level that might lead to flooding.

Metaphorically, schwellen is used to describe emotions, particularly pride or anger. If someone is 'geschwollen vor Stolz' (swollen with pride), it implies their chest is physically puffed out because they are so happy with themselves. Similarly, music or sound can schwellen, increasing in volume and intensity to a crescendo. This multi-layered use makes it a vital word for B1 learners who want to move beyond basic descriptions and start expressing more complex physical and emotional states.

Die Musik schwoll zu einem gewaltigen Finale an.

Linguistic Nuance: Note the conjugation change. As an intransitive verb ('the river swells'), it is strong: schwellen, schwillt, schwoll, ist geschwollen. In the rare transitive sense ('the wind swells the sails'), it is weak: schwellen, schwellt, schwellte, hat geschwellt. Mastering this distinction marks a high level of grammatical precision.

In summary, schwellen is about growth from within. Whether it is a sponge soaking up water, a sprained ankle, or a rising tide of public opinion, the word captures the dynamic process of expansion and the tension that comes with it. It is a word of movement and transformation, essential for describing both the physical world and the inner landscape of the mind.

Using schwellen correctly involves choosing the right prefix and the correct conjugation. While the base verb schwellen is common in literature, everyday German relies heavily on anschwellen (to swell up) or aufschwellen (to bloat/swell significantly). Let's look at how to structure these sentences across different contexts.

The Intransitive Use (Self-Expansion): When something expands due to internal or natural causes, use the auxiliary verb sein in the perfect tense. The subject is the thing that is growing.
Example: "Der Fluss ist über Nacht geschwollen." (The river has swollen overnight.)

Seine Wangen schwollen vor Wut an.

The Transitive Use (External Cause): This is less common and often poetic. Here, an external force causes the expansion. In this case, use haben in the perfect tense.
Example: "Der Wind schwellte die Segel." (The wind swelled the sails.)

When talking about body parts, German often uses the dative of the person affected: "Mir schwillt der Kamm" is an idiom meaning "I am getting angry" (literally: my comb is swelling). For medical descriptions, you might say "Mein Finger ist stark angeschwollen." Notice the ge- placement in separable verbs: an-ge-schwollen.

Durch die Hitze schwellen meine Füße oft an.

Abstract and Metaphorical Use: You can use schwellen to describe a growing number or intensity. "Die Menge der Protestierenden schwoll stetig an" (The crowd of protesters grew steadily). Here, it conveys a sense of unstoppable momentum.

Finally, consider the adjectival use. "Ein geschwollenes Gesicht" (a swollen face) is straightforward. But "eine geschwollene Ausdrucksweise" refers to someone using overly complicated, pretentious language. It's as if their words are 'puffed up' with self-importance.

Ihm schwoll die Brust vor Stolz, als er die Medaille erhielt.

You will encounter schwellen and its derivatives in several specific contexts in German-speaking countries. Knowing where to expect it will help you recognize the intended nuance immediately.

1. At the Doctor (Beim Arzt): This is the most practical setting. A doctor will ask: "Ist die Stelle angeschwollen?" (Has the area swollen up?). You might describe your symptoms: "Mein Gelenk schwillt abends immer an." (My joint always swells in the evening). Medical reports will use the noun 'Schwellung' (swelling) frequently.

Die Lymphknoten am Hals sind leicht geschwollen.

2. Weather and News Reports (Nachrichten): In Germany, where rivers like the Rhine, Elbe, and Danube are central to geography, news about rising water levels is common. Reporters say: "Nach den heftigen Regenfällen schwellen die Pegel der Flüsse weiter an." (After the heavy rains, the river levels continue to rise). This context is strictly formal and informative.

3. Literature and Music (Literatur und Musik): Classic German literature (Goethe, Schiller) uses schwellen to describe nature and emotion. In music, a conductor might talk about 'anschwellende Töne' (crescendoing notes). If you read a novel, you might see: "Ein Gefühl von Triumph schwoll in ihr auf." (A feeling of triumph swelled up within her).

Der Chor schwoll zu einem mächtigen Klang an.

In daily conversation, you might hear it used jokingly. If someone is bragging, a friend might say: "Rede nicht so geschwollen!" (Don't talk so pompously!). Or if someone is visibly angry, you might hear: "Ihm schwillt schon wieder der Hals." (His neck is already swelling - meaning he's getting furious).

Because schwellen has irregular forms and various prefixes, it is a frequent source of errors for German learners. Avoiding these common pitfalls will make your German sound much more natural.

1. Mixing up Strong and Weak Conjugation: As mentioned, the intransitive version (to swell) is strong: schwoll, ist geschwollen. Many learners mistakenly use weak forms like 'schwellte' or 'hat geschwellt' when they mean their ankle is swollen.
Incorrect: "Mein Fuß hat geschwellt."
Correct: "Mein Fuß ist geschwollen."

Falsch: Der Fluss schwellte an. Richtig: Der Fluss schwoll an.

2. Confusing 'schwellen' with 'schwelen': These words sound similar but have completely different meanings. Schwelen means "to smolder" (like a fire without a flame). If you say a conflict is 'schwellend', you mean it is growing/expanding. If you say it is 'schwelend', you mean it is burning slowly under the surface. Both can apply to conflicts, but the nuance is different!

3. Incorrect Auxiliary Verb (Haben vs. Sein): Since schwellen describes a change of state (from small to large), it almost always takes sein in the perfect tense. Learners often default to haben for all verbs.
Correct: "Die Wunde ist angeschwollen."

Achtung: Benutzen Sie immer ist bei körperlichen Schwellungen.

Another mistake is using the base verb schwellen where anschwellen is required. While 'schwellen' works in poetic contexts, saying "Mein Finger schwillt" in a pharmacy sounds slightly incomplete; "Mein Finger schwillt an" is much more natural. Lastly, be careful with the adjective 'geschwollen'. If you call someone's speech 'geschwollen', you are insulting their communication style, not complimenting their vocabulary.

To enrich your German, it's helpful to know synonyms and related verbs that describe expansion. Schwellen is specific to volume and internal pressure, but other words might fit better depending on the context.

Anschwellen vs. Aufblähen: Anschwellen is usually neutral or medical. Aufblähen means to inflate or puff up, often with air or gas. It is frequently used for bloating in the stomach or metaphorically for an ego that is 'inflated'.

Der Teig geht auf (rises), aber die Wunde schwillt an.

Zunehmen vs. Ansteigen: If you are talking about numbers or intensity without the physical 'puffing' aspect, use zunehmen (to increase) or ansteigen (to rise). "Die Kriminalität nimmt zu" is better than 'schwillt', unless you want to sound very dramatic.

Ausdehnen vs. Erweitern: Ausdehnen is used for physical expansion due to heat (like metal) or expanding a business. Erweitern is used for widening or enlarging something like a horizon or a room.

Das Metall dehnt sich aus, wenn es heiß wird.

If you want to describe something getting thicker, dick werden is the simplest way. "Mein Bein wird dick" is a common way for children or beginners to say their leg is swelling. However, using anschwellen shows a higher level of German proficiency. In a formal report, you might use expandieren for businesses or vordringen for a rising tide of water. Choosing the right word depends on whether the expansion is natural (schwellen), mechanical (ausdehnen), or quantitative (zunehmen).

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'Schwelle' (threshold) comes from the same root, originally referring to a piece of wood that was 'swollen' or thick.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈʃvɛlən/

US /ˈʃvɛlən/

Stress is on the first syllable: SCHWEL-len.

Rhymes With

hellen stellen wellen bellen quellen prellen schnellen fellen

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'sch' as 's'. It must be 'sh'.
Pronouncing 'v' as 'f'. In German 'w' is always like English 'v'.
Making the 'e' too long (like 'schwelen'). It must be short.
Forgetting to change the vowel to 'i' in 'du schwillst'.
Misplacing the stress on the second syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize because of the English cognate 'swell'.

Writing 4/5

Difficult due to strong/weak conjugation differences.

Speaking 4/5

Vowel change in present tense is tricky for learners.

Listening 3/5

Clear sound, but can be confused with 'schwelen'.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

dick groß werden der Fluss das Bein

Learn Next

abschwellen die Schwellung blähen ausdehnen

Advanced

der Schwellenwert Schwellenland Unterschwellig

Grammar to Know

Strong Verbs with Vowel Change

schwellen -> er schwillt (e to i change).

Perfect Tense with 'sein'

Das Knie ist geschwollen (change of state).

Separable Verbs

Der Fluss schwillt an / Der Fluss ist angeschwollen.

Adjectival Use of Participles

Das geschwollene Bein (Partizip II as adjective).

Transitive vs. Intransitive Conjugation

Intransitive (strong): schwoll. Transitive (weak): schwellte.

Examples by Level

Mein Finger ist dick und rot.

My finger is thick and red.

A1 learners use 'dick' instead of 'geschwollen'.

Tut es weh?

Does it hurt?

Simple question for injury context.

Das Wasser im Fluss ist viel.

The water in the river is a lot.

A1 way to describe a swollen river.

Ich habe eine kleine Beule.

I have a small bump.

Noun for a small swelling.

Ist das geschwollen?

Is that swollen?

Passive adjective use.

Kühl das Knie!

Cool the knee!

Imperative for treating swelling.

Mein Bein ist groß.

My leg is big.

Simple description.

Ich brauche Eis.

I need ice.

Treatment for swelling.

Mein Knöchel ist nach dem Sport angeschwollen.

My ankle swelled up after sports.

Use of 'anschwellen' in perfect tense.

Nach dem Regen schwillt der Bach an.

After the rain, the creek swells.

Present tense with vowel change (i).

Die Backe ist wegen der Zahnschmerzen geschwollen.

The cheek is swollen because of the toothache.

Adjective 'geschwollen'.

Warum schwillt meine Hand an?

Why is my hand swelling up?

Question with separable verb.

Du musst die Stelle kühlen, damit sie nicht schwillt.

You must cool the area so it doesn't swell.

Subordinate clause with 'damit'.

Ist dein Gesicht heute geschwollen?

Is your face swollen today?

Adjective in a question.

Die Beine schwellen bei Hitze oft an.

The legs often swell in the heat.

General statement.

Der Arzt sagt, es ist nicht schlimm geschwollen.

The doctor says it is not badly swollen.

Indirect speech.

Sein Knie schwoll nach dem Unfall sofort an.

His knee swelled up immediately after the accident.

Präteritum (Past tense) of 'anschwellen'.

Die Musik schwoll langsam zu einem Crescendo an.

The music slowly swelled to a crescendo.

Metaphorical use for sound.

Ihm schwoll die Brust vor Stolz.

His chest swelled with pride.

Idiomatic/Metaphorical use.

Wenn die Allergie schlimmer wird, schwellen die Augen an.

If the allergy gets worse, the eyes swell up.

Conditional sentence.

Die Schwellung sollte nach zwei Tagen abklingen.

The swelling should subside after two days.

Use of the noun 'Schwellung'.

Der Fluss ist über die Ufer geschwollen.

The river has swollen over its banks.

Perfect tense with 'sein'.

Sie redet oft sehr geschwollen, was viele nervt.

She often speaks very pompously, which annoys many.

Adjective meaning 'pompous'.

Durch die Entzündung ist das Gewebe stark geschwollen.

Due to the inflammation, the tissue is heavily swollen.

Technical/Medical context.

Die Gefahr einer Flut wächst, da die Pegel stetig schwellen.

The danger of a flood grows as the water levels steadily swell.

Complex sentence with 'da'.

Ihm schwoll der Kamm, als er von der Ungerechtigkeit hörte.

He got furious when he heard about the injustice.

Idiom: 'der Kamm schwillt'.

Die Segel schwellen im starken Wind.

The sails swell in the strong wind.

Literary use of the base verb.

Ein schwellender Konflikt zwischen den Parteien wurde sichtbar.

A mounting conflict between the parties became visible.

Participle as adjective.

Das Budget schwoll aufgrund unerwarteter Kosten an.

The budget swelled due to unexpected costs.

Abstract usage for finances.

Man sah ihm an, wie der Zorn in ihm schwoll.

One could see how the anger swelled within him.

Abstract usage for emotions.

Die Wunde ist bereits etwas abgeschwollen.

The wound has already subsided a bit.

Prefix 'ab-' for the opposite.

Diese geschwollene Ausdrucksweise ist in diesem Kontext unpassend.

This pompous way of speaking is inappropriate in this context.

Critique of style.

Die Fluten schwollen zu einer bedrohlichen Höhe an.

The floods swelled to a threatening height.

Elevated vocabulary 'Fluten'.

In der Romantik schwollen die Gefühle oft ins Unermessliche.

In Romanticism, feelings often swelled to the immeasurable.

Historical/Literary context.

Der Wind schwellte die Segel der alten Galeone.

The wind swelled the sails of the old galleon.

Rare transitive weak conjugation (schwellte).

Ein dumpfer Groll schwoll in der Bevölkerung gegen die Regierung an.

A dull resentment swelled in the population against the government.

Sociopolitical context.

Die Töne schwollen an und verebbten dann wieder.

The notes swelled and then ebbed away again.

Pairing with 'verebben'.

Das Gelenk war derart geschwollen, dass eine Operation nötig war.

The joint was so swollen that surgery was necessary.

Adverb 'derart' for emphasis.

Die Schwellung des Holzes führte dazu, dass die Tür klemmte.

The swelling of the wood caused the door to jam.

Physical property of materials.

Seine Rede war von geschwollener Rhetorik geprägt.

His speech was characterized by pompous rhetoric.

Stylistic analysis.

Das Anschwellen des Chors erzeugte eine sakrale Atmosphäre.

The swelling of the choir created a sacred atmosphere.

Nominalized verb.

Die Gezeiten lassen das Meer rhythmisch schwellen.

The tides make the sea swell rhythmically.

Natural cycles.

In den Adern schwoll das Blut vor Erregung.

The blood swelled in the veins with excitement.

Poetic/Biological imagery.

Die schwellende Knospe ist ein Symbol des Frühlings.

The swelling bud is a symbol of spring.

Symbolism in literature.

Die Kritik an der Reform schwoll zu einem Sturm der Entrüstung an.

The criticism of the reform swelled into a storm of indignation.

Complex metaphor.

Das geschwollene Pathos seiner Worte wirkte eher lächerlich.

The pompous pathos of his words seemed rather ridiculous.

Nuanced critique.

Es gilt, das Anschwellen der Staatsverschuldung zu begrenzen.

It is necessary to limit the swelling of the national debt.

Political/Economic discourse.

Die Musik schwoll machtvoll an, die Zuhörer in ihren Bann ziehend.

The music swelled powerfully, casting a spell over the listeners.

Participle construction.

Common Collocations

der Fluss schwillt an

geschwollene Lymphknoten

die Brust schwillt vor Stolz

ein geschwollenes Gesicht

der Pegel schwillt

geschwollene Ausdrucksweise

die Musik schwillt an

eine Schwellung kühlen

die Beine schwellen an

ein schwellender Konflikt

Common Phrases

Mir schwillt der Kamm.

— I am getting very angry. It refers to a rooster's comb.

Wenn ich das höre, schwillt mir der Kamm!

Geschwollen daherreden.

— To talk in a pompous or arrogant way. Using too many big words.

Er redet immer so geschwollen daher.

Etwas zum Schwellen bringen.

— To cause something to swell. Can be literal or metaphorical.

Die Nachricht brachte die Gerüchteküche zum Schwellen.

Die Segel schwellen.

— The sails are full of wind. A sign of progress or departure.

Die Segel schwellen, wir fahren los.

Ein geschwollenes Gelenk.

— A swollen joint. Very common medical description.

Er hat ein geschwollenes Gelenk am Fuß.

Anschwellender Lärm.

— Increasing noise. Describes a sound getting louder.

Der anschwellende Lärm der Stadt störte ihn.

Die Lippen schwellen an.

— The lips are swelling. Often due to an allergy.

Ihre Lippen schwollen nach dem Essen an.

Vor Stolz geschwellt.

— Puffed up with pride. Usually describes a person's posture.

Er stand vor Stolz geschwellt da.

Die Flut schwillt.

— The tide is coming in or rising. Used in coastal areas.

Die Flut schwillt langsam an.

Eine Schwellung behandeln.

— To treat a swelling. Medical advice.

Wie behandelt man diese Schwellung?

Often Confused With

schwellen vs schwelen

Means 'to smolder'. Long 'e' sound. Used for fire or hidden conflicts.

schwellen vs quellen

Means 'to gush' or 'to soak/swell'. Used for water or dry food like lentils.

schwellen vs schwelgen

Means 'to indulge' or 'to revel'. Totally different meaning.

Idioms & Expressions

"Ihm schwillt der Kamm."

— He is losing his temper. Like a rooster getting ready to fight.

Pass auf, ihm schwillt gleich der Kamm!

informal

"Einen geschwollenen Hals haben."

— To be very angry. Literally: to have a swollen neck from shouting or rage.

Ich habe so einen geschwollenen Hals wegen dieser Sache!

informal

"Geschwollenes Geschwätz."

— Pompous, empty talk. Pretentious language.

Hör auf mit deinem geschwollenen Geschwätz!

informal

"Die Brust schwillt."

— To feel very proud. Puffed out chest.

Seine Brust schwoll, als er den Preis gewann.

neutral

"Den Schwellenwert erreichen."

— To reach the threshold. Used in technical/economic contexts.

Wir haben den Schwellenwert fast erreicht.

formal

"Anschwellende Wut."

— Growing anger. Like a rising tide.

Sie fühlte eine anschwellende Wut in sich.

neutral

"Die Wogen schwellen."

— The waves are rising. Often used metaphorically for trouble.

Die Wogen der Empörung schwollen an.

literary

"Ein geschwollenes Ego."

— An inflated ego. Someone who thinks too highly of themselves.

Sein geschwollenes Ego steht ihm im Weg.

informal

"Den Strom zum Schwellen bringen."

— To cause a massive increase in something (like data or visitors).

Die Werbung brachte den Besucherstrom zum Schwellen.

neutral

"In geschwollenen Tönen reden."

— To talk in a very formal, often overly dramatic way.

Er redete in geschwollenen Tönen von seiner Heimat.

literary

Easily Confused

schwellen vs schwelen

Similar sound and spelling.

Schwellen is about size; schwelen is about slow burning.

Das Feuer schwelt noch. / Der Knöchel schwillt an.

schwellen vs quellen

Both involve expansion.

Quellen is usually about soaking in liquid; schwellen is about internal pressure.

Die Erbsen quellen im Wasser. / Die Wunde schwillt an.

schwellen vs anschwellen

It's the same base verb.

Anschwellen is the process/action; schwellen is often more state-oriented or poetic.

Der Lärm schwillt an.

schwellen vs aufblähen

Both mean to get bigger.

Aufblähen involves air/gas; schwellen involves fluid/intensity.

Der Bauch ist aufgebläht.

schwellen vs dehnen

Both involve getting larger.

Dehnen is stretching (mechanical); schwellen is volume increase (biological/natural).

Ich dehne meine Muskeln.

Sentence Patterns

Mein [Körperteil] ist geschwollen.

Mein Fuß ist geschwollen.

Der [Fluss] schwillt an.

Der Bach schwillt an.

[Subjekt] schwoll vor [Emotion] an.

Er schwoll vor Wut an.

Die Musik schwoll zu einem [Nomen] an.

Die Musik schwoll zu einem Crescendo an.

Ihm schwillt der Kamm, wenn [Nebensatz].

Ihm schwillt der Kamm, wenn er warten muss.

Eine [Adjektiv] Schwellung.

Eine schmerzhafte Schwellung.

Das [Nomen] zum Schwellen bringen.

Die Flut zum Schwellen bringen.

Von [geschwollener] Rhetorik geprägt sein.

Die Rede war von geschwollener Rhetorik geprägt.

Word Family

Nouns

die Schwellung

die Schwelle

das Anschwellen

der Schwellenwert

der Schwellkörper

Verbs

anschwellen

abschwellen

aufschwellen

emporschwellen

überschwellen

Adjectives

geschwollen

schwellbar

schwellend

überschwellig

unterschwellig

die Welle

quellen

wallen

aufblähen

dehnen

How to Use It

frequency

Common in medical and news contexts. Rare in simple everyday chat unless referring to injuries.

Common Mistakes

Mein Fuß hat geschwellt. → Mein Fuß ist geschwollen.
Physical changes use 'sein' and the strong past participle.
Er redet schwelen. → Er redet geschwollen.
Don't confuse 'schwelen' (smolder) with 'schwellen' (swell).
Das Wasser schwellt. → Das Wasser schwillt.
Strong verbs change the vowel in the 3rd person singular.
Die Schwellung schwellt an. → Die Schwellung nimmt zu / Die Stelle schwillt an.
Redundant. You don't say 'the swelling swells'.
Ich schwellte meine Muskeln. → Ich spannte meine Muskeln an.
'Schwellen' is rarely transitive for humans causing things to expand.

Tips

Watch the Vowel

Remember the 'i' in 'du schwillst' and 'er schwillt'. This is a classic strong verb pattern.

Medical Context

When at the doctor, 'geschwollen' is your best friend. It's the standard word for any inflammation.

Nature News

If you hear 'Pegel' and 'anschwellen' on the radio, there's a flood warning!

Angry Rooster

The idiom 'Mir schwillt der Kamm' is a great way to express frustration in a colorful way.

Avoid 'Geschwollen'

In your own writing, try to be clear. Don't use 'geschwollene' words just to sound smart.

Swell/Schwellen

The English cognate is almost identical. Use it to anchor the meaning in your mind.

Prefix Power

Learn 'an-' (up) and 'ab-' (down) to double your vocabulary for this word.

Short vs. Long

Keep the 'e' short to avoid confusion with 'schwelen' (smolder).

Literary Context

In books, 'schwellen' often describes the wind or the sea. It adds a sense of power.

First Aid

In Germany, people say 'Kühlen!' (Cool it!) when something is 'geschwollen'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Swell' in the ocean. Just like waves swell, things in German 'schwellen'.

Visual Association

Imagine an ankle getting bigger like a balloon. The balloon is 'swelling' – 'schwellen'.

Word Web

Knie Fluss Stolz Musik Anschwellen Schwellung Arzt Regen

Challenge

Try to use 'schwellen' in a sentence about a river and a sentence about an injury today.

Word Origin

From Middle High German 'swellen', Old High German 'swellan'. It is related to the English word 'swell'.

Original meaning: To increase in volume, to become thick or round.

Germanic.

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but be careful calling someone's speech 'geschwollen' as it is an insult.

Similar to English 'swell', used both medically and metaphorically.

Goethe's poems often use 'schwellen' for nature. Beethoven's music is often described as 'anschwellend'. News reports on the 'Oderflut'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Medical

Ist es geschwollen?
Die Schwellung kühlen.
Es schwillt langsam ab.
Schwellung am Gelenk.

Nature

Der Fluss schwillt an.
Die Knospen schwellen.
Die Flut schwillt.
Anschwellende Bäche.

Music

Anschwellende Töne.
Die Lautstärke schwillt.
Ein schwellender Akkord.
Crescendo.

Emotions

Vor Stolz schwellen.
Die Wut schwillt.
Ein schwellender Groll.
Ihm schwillt der Kamm.

Language

Geschwollen reden.
Geschwollene Rhetorik.
Zu geschwollen ausgedrückt.
Nicht so geschwollen!

Conversation Starters

"Hast du schon gesehen, wie die Flüsse nach dem Regen schwellen?"

"Warum redet dieser Politiker eigentlich immer so geschwollen?"

"Was machst du normalerweise, wenn dein Knöchel angeschwollen ist?"

"Hast du dich auch schon mal so gefühlt, als würde dir der Kamm schwellen?"

"Glaubst du, dass die Musik in diesem Film zu stark anschwillt?"

Journal Prompts

Beschreibe eine Situation, in der dir 'der Kamm geschwollen' ist. Was ist passiert?

Warst du schon einmal verletzt? Wie lange war die Stelle geschwollen und was hast du getan?

Beobachte die Natur: Wo kannst du im Frühling sehen, dass Dinge schwellen?

Was hältst du von Menschen, die sehr geschwollen reden? Wirkt das intelligent oder arrogant?

Schreibe über einen Fluss in deiner Nähe. Schwillt er oft an?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is usually strong (schwillt, schwoll, ist geschwollen) when it means 'to swell'. It is weak only in rare, transitive, poetic uses like 'the wind swelled the sails'.

In modern German, 'anschwellen' is much more common for the process of getting bigger. 'Schwellen' alone sounds more formal or literary.

Only in the rare transitive sense. For injuries or rivers, always use 'sein': 'Mein Fuß ist geschwollen'.

It refers to someone using overly complicated, pretentious, or 'puffed up' language to sound smart.

Use 'abschwellen'. Example: 'Die Schwellung ist abgeschwollen'.

Yes, for the intransitive use. 'Er schwellt' would only be used in the rare transitive sense.

It's the fear of crossing a threshold, like being afraid to enter a store or start something new.

Yes, it describes the volume getting louder (crescendo).

No, for weight gain you use 'zunehmen'. 'Schwellen' is for localized or temporary expansion.

It is a short 'e', like in the English word 'tell'.