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B1 noun #6,500 mais comum 8 min de leitura

das Unwohlsein

Top 6,500

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas das Unwohlsein em 30 segundos

Explicação das Unwohlsein in your Level:

At the A1 level, you usually learn simple ways to say you are sick, like 'Ich bin krank' or 'Mir ist schlecht.' However, you might hear the word 'Unwohlsein' in very simple medical contexts or on signs. At this stage, just think of it as a long word for 'feeling bad.' You don't need to use it yourself yet, but recognizing the prefix 'un-' (not) and 'wohl' (well) will help you guess the meaning. It is like saying 'not-well-being.' Focus on the adjective 'unwohl' first, as in 'Ich fühle mich unwohl.' The noun 'das Unwohlsein' is the formal version of that feeling. It is always 'das' (neuter).

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By A2, you are expanding your vocabulary to describe health and feelings more accurately. 'Das Unwohlsein' is a great word to add because it allows you to describe a state without naming a specific illness. If you are at a doctor's office, you can say 'Ich habe ein Unwohlsein.' This is better than just saying 'Ich bin krank' because it describes the *sensation* of being unwell. You should also start noticing how it is used with the verb 'verspüren' (to feel). Remember that it is a noun, so it needs an article (ein/das) and a capital letter. It is a very polite word to use if you need to leave a social event early.

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At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'das Unwohlsein' in both spoken and written German. You should be able to combine it with common adjectives like 'leicht' (slight), 'plötzlich' (sudden), or 'allgemein' (general). You should also be comfortable using it in the genitive case after prepositions like 'wegen' (wegen meines Unwohlseins). This level is where you distinguish between physical discomfort and social awkwardness. You can use 'Unwohlsein' to describe how you feel in a crowded room or after eating something that didn't agree with you. It is a key term for professional communication, such as writing an email to explain a short absence.

At B2, you should understand the nuance between 'Unwohlsein' and its synonyms like 'Unbehagen' or 'Übelkeit.' You can use 'das Unwohlsein' to discuss more abstract topics, such as the 'gesellschaftliches Unwohlsein' (societal malaise). You should be able to use it in complex sentences with relative clauses, for example: 'Das Unwohlsein, das er seit Tagen verspürte, verschwand erst nach dem Urlaub.' Your usage should be precise—using 'Unwohlsein' for a general state and 'Übelkeit' specifically for nausea. You also start to recognize it in more formal texts, such as medical brochures or literary descriptions of a character's internal state.

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At the C1 level, 'das Unwohlsein' is a word you use to add stylistic variety and precision to your speech and writing. You should be aware of its use in medical jargon and formal academic writing. You might use it to describe an existential or ontological state in a philosophical discussion. You are also expected to use it correctly in various idiomatic or semi-idiomatic structures. You understand that 'Unwohlsein' can be a symptom (Symptom) or a cause (Ursache). You can discuss the 'diffuses Unwohlsein' of a whole generation or the 'subtile Unwohlsein' in a piece of art. Your mastery of the word includes perfect grammatical integration, especially in the genitive and dative cases.

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At the C2 level, you have a complete grasp of the word's history, its place in the German lexicon, and its subtle connotations. You can use it to critique literature, such as analyzing the 'existenzielle Unwohlsein' in Kafka's works. You understand how the word functions as a nominalized infinitive and can manipulate its position in the sentence for rhetorical effect. You can distinguish between 'Unwohlsein' as a transient physical state and as a persistent psychological condition. You might use it in a highly formal speech or a legal context where precision about a person's state of health is required. You are also familiar with related historical terms and can explain why 'Unwohlsein' is chosen over 'Indisposition' in a given context.

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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

das Unwohlsein em 30 segundos

A neuter noun meaning a general state of feeling unwell or uncomfortable, physically or mentally.
Used in medical, formal, and social contexts to describe vague symptoms or awkward feelings.
Commonly paired with verbs like 'verspüren' and adjectives like 'allgemein' or 'plötzlich'.
Essential for polite communication about health and for B1-level German proficiency.

The German noun das Unwohlsein is a sophisticated and versatile term used to describe a general state of feeling unwell, physically or mentally, without necessarily specifying a particular disease or localized pain. It is a compound of the prefix 'un-' (not), the adverb 'wohl' (well), and the nominalized verb 'sein' (being). Essentially, it translates to 'the state of not being well.' In everyday German life, you will encounter this word in medical, social, and even psychological contexts. It is the perfect word to use when you feel 'off' but cannot quite put your finger on why. It covers everything from a slight stomach upset to a vague sense of anxiety or social discomfort.

Physical Context: In a medical setting, a patient might report 'ein allgemeines Unwohlsein' to indicate they feel weak, nauseous, or generally fatigued. It is often the first symptom of an oncoming flu or a reaction to something eaten.

Nach dem schweren Essen verspürte er ein leichtes Unwohlsein in der Magengegend.

Social/Psychological Context: The term also extends to emotional states. If a situation feels awkward or if one feels out of place in a crowd, 'Unwohlsein' describes that internal cringe or unease. It is less about fear and more about a lack of comfort.

Ihr offensichtliches Unwohlsein während der Rede war für alle Anwesenden spürbar.

Formal Usage: In news reports or official statements, 'Unwohlsein' is used to describe sudden health incidents of public figures. If a politician has to leave the stage, the press might report a 'plötzliches Unwohlsein'.

Wegen eines plötzlichen Unwohlseins musste das Konzert leider abgebrochen werden.

Ein tiefes psychisches Unwohlsein kann oft schwerwiegende körperliche Ursachen haben.

Trotz ihres Unwohlseins entschied sie sich, die Prüfung abzulegen.

In summary, 'das Unwohlsein' is your go-to word for any state of being that is 'not well,' ranging from a mild nausea to a profound existential dread. It is a B1-level word because it requires understanding how to abstract physical feelings into a noun, and it is essential for navigating daily life in Germany, especially when dealing with health and professional etiquette.

Using das Unwohlsein correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a neuter noun and the verbs it typically pairs with. Because it describes a state, it is frequently the object of verbs like verspüren (to feel/perceive), empfinden (to feel/experience), or auslösen (to trigger). It is rarely used in the plural, as the concept of 'discomforts' is usually handled by more specific terms like 'Beschwerden'.

With Adjectives: Common adjectives include 'allgemeines' (general), 'plötzliches' (sudden), 'leichtes' (slight), and 'körperliches' (physical). These modify the noun to give more detail about the nature of the feeling.

Ein allgemeines Unwohlsein begleitete seine ersten Tage in der neuen Stadt.

In Prepositional Phrases: You will often see it after 'wegen' (because of) or 'trotz' (despite). Note that 'wegen' requires the genitive case in formal German: 'wegen des Unwohlseins'.

Wegen seines Unwohlseins blieb er heute dem Unterricht fern.

Das Medikament kann als Nebenwirkung ein gewisses Unwohlsein verursachen.

As a Subject: When 'Unwohlsein' is the subject, it often 'verschwindet' (disappears) or 'breitet sich aus' (spreads/increases).

Sein Unwohlsein verschwand, sobald er das kühle Wasser trank.

Können Sie die Art Ihres Unwohlseins näher beschreiben?

When constructing sentences, remember that 'Unwohlsein' is a noun. If you want to use an adjective, you would say 'Ich fühle mich unwohl.' The noun version 'Ich habe ein Unwohlsein' is grammatically possible but less common than 'Ich verspüre ein Unwohlsein' or 'Ich leide an Unwohlsein'. Mastering these subtle shifts in phrasing will make your German sound much more natural and precise.

You will encounter das Unwohlsein in a variety of real-world scenarios in German-speaking countries. It is not just a 'textbook word'; it has high functional utility in professional and medical environments. Understanding where you'll hear it helps you grasp its register—which is generally neutral to formal.

At the Doctor's (Beim Arzt): This is perhaps the most common place. A doctor might ask: 'Seit wann besteht dieses Unwohlsein?' (How long has this discomfort been present?). It serves as a broad category for symptoms before they are diagnosed.

Der Patient klagte über ein diffuses Unwohlsein nach der Operation.

In the News (In den Nachrichten): Journalists use 'Unwohlsein' as a euphemism or a neutral report of health issues. For example, if a pilot has to make an emergency landing because they feel sick, the report will likely use this term.

Die Veranstaltung wurde wegen eines plötzlichen Unwohlseins der Rednerin unterbrochen.

In Literature and Psychology: In more intellectual or literary contexts, 'Unwohlsein' describes a modern malaise or an existential discomfort with society. Sigmund Freud's famous work 'Das Unbehagen in der Kultur' is related to this concept of feeling 'unwell' or 'uncomfortable' within a system.

Es herrscht ein gewisses gesellschaftliches Unwohlsein angesichts der schnellen Veränderungen.

Ein Gefühl von Unwohlsein überkam ihn in der engen Menschenmenge.

Das Unwohlsein rührte von der schlechten Luft im Raum her.

Whether you are reading a newspaper, listening to a podcast about health, or explaining to a German colleague why you need to step out of a meeting, 'das Unwohlsein' is a term that conveys clarity through its very vagueness. It signals that something is wrong without oversharing, which fits perfectly with German cultural norms regarding privacy and professionalism.

Even for intermediate learners, das Unwohlsein can be tricky. Most mistakes stem from confusing it with similar-sounding words or using the wrong grammatical gender. Because it is a long word, learners often trip over its components.

Mistake 1: Wrong Gender: Learners often think it's masculine because many abstract nouns are. However, any noun ending in '-sein' (nominalized 'to be') is always neuter (das). Avoid saying 'der Unwohlsein'.

Falsch: Ich habe einen Unwohlsein. Richtig: Ich habe ein Unwohlsein.

Mistake 2: Confusing with 'Übelkeit': 'Übelkeit' specifically means nausea (feeling like you want to vomit). 'Unwohlsein' is much broader. If you just feel weak or lightheaded, 'Unwohlsein' is better. If you are about to throw up, 'Übelkeit' is the precise term.

Mistake 3: Using it for localized pain: If your arm hurts because you hit it, do not use 'Unwohlsein'. Use 'Schmerz' (pain). 'Unwohlsein' is a systemic or general feeling, not a localized sensation.

Er klagte über Unwohlsein, nicht über spezifische Schmerzen.

Mistake 4: Confusing with 'Unbehagen': 'Unbehagen' is more psychological and often relates to a gut feeling that something is 'wrong' or 'creepy'. 'Unwohlsein' is more often physical or a mix of both. You feel 'Unbehagen' in a dark alley; you feel 'Unwohlsein' after eating old sushi.

Das Unwohlsein in der Magengegend war kaum zu ignorieren.

Oft wird Unwohlsein durch Stress am Arbeitsplatz hervorgerufen.

To avoid these pitfalls, remember the '3 Gs': Gender (always das), Generality (it's a broad feeling), and Genitive (it often follows 'wegen'). If you keep these in mind, you'll use 'das Unwohlsein' like a native speaker.

German has a rich vocabulary for describing states of being. While das Unwohlsein is a great B1-level word, knowing its synonyms and alternatives will help you reach C1-level precision. Each alternative carries a slightly different shade of meaning.

das Unbehagen: Focuses on the psychological side. It is the feeling that something is not right, often used in social or moral contexts. Think of it as 'unease'.
die Übelkeit: The specific physical sensation of wanting to vomit (nausea). It is much more narrow than 'Unwohlsein'.
die Indisposition: A very formal, almost old-fashioned way to say someone is unwell. You might see this in formal apologies or high-society literature.

Statt Unwohlsein könnte man auch von einem flauen Gefühl sprechen.

das Missbefinden: A more clinical term often used in medical reports to describe the opposite of 'Wohlbefinden' (well-being).

Sein Unwohlsein war eher eine leichte Übelkeit.

die Beklemmung: A feeling of tightness or anxiety, often in the chest. This is much stronger and more focused on fear than 'Unwohlsein'.

Das Unwohlsein steigerte sich zu einer echten Beklemmung.

Ein Unwohlsein kann man ignorieren, eine Übelkeit kaum.

When choosing between these words, ask yourself: Is it physical (Unwohlsein/Übelkeit) or mental (Unbehagen/Beklemmung)? Is it formal (Indisposition) or standard (Unwohlsein)? By selecting the right word, you demonstrate a deep understanding of German nuance and context.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

The structure of 'Unwohlsein' is a classic German way of creating abstract nouns by sticking 'sein' onto the end of an adjective phrase. It literally means 'the not-well-being.'

Guia de pronúncia

UK /ˈʊnvoːlzaɪn/

US /ˈʊnvoʊlzaɪn/

Primary stress is on the first syllable 'Un-', secondary stress on '-sein'.

Rima com

Bewusstsein Dasein Alleinsein Sonnenschein Edelstein Allgemein Verein Elfenbein

Erros comuns

Pronouncing 'v' instead of 'w' (it should be a 'v' sound in English).
Making the 'o' in 'wohl' too short.
Pronouncing 'sein' like 'sane' instead of 'zayn'.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 3/5

Easy to recognize due to the 'un-' and 'wohl' components.

Escrita 4/5

Requires correct genitive endings and remembering the neuter gender.

Expressão oral 3/5

Long word, but pronunciation is straightforward once segmented.

Audição 3/5

Distinctive sound, usually clear in context.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

wohl unwohl sein fühlen krank

Aprenda a seguir

das Wohlbefinden das Unbehagen die Übelkeit die Beschwerde die Indisposition

Avançado

die Psychosomatik die Befindlichkeit das Missvergnügen die Malaise

Gramática essencial

Nominalized Infinitives

Das Sein, das Essen, das Unwohlsein (all neuter).

Genitive with 'wegen'

Wegen des Unwohlseins (standard/formal).

Adjective Endings (Mixed Declension)

Ein plötzliches Unwohlsein (neuter, nominative/accusative).

Compound Nouns

Magen + Unwohlsein = Magenunwohlsein.

Prefix 'un-' for Negation

Wohl -> Unwohl -> Unwohlsein.

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Exemplos por nível

Ich habe ein leichtes Unwohlsein.

I have a slight feeling of being unwell.

Unwohlsein is a neuter noun (das).

Das Unwohlsein ist nicht schlimm.

The discomfort is not bad.

Subject of the sentence.

Hast du ein Unwohlsein?

Do you feel unwell?

Direct object in the accusative case.

Trinken Sie Tee gegen das Unwohlsein.

Drink tea against the discomfort.

Preposition 'gegen' takes the accusative.

Mein Unwohlsein kommt vom Essen.

My discomfort comes from the food.

Possessive pronoun 'mein' matches the neuter noun.

Das Unwohlsein geht bald weg.

The discomfort will go away soon.

Simple present tense used for future certainty.

Er fühlt ein Unwohlsein im Bauch.

He feels a discomfort in the stomach.

Locational phrase 'im Bauch'.

Kein Unwohlsein mehr!

No more discomfort!

Negation with 'kein'.

Wegen des Unwohlseins bleibe ich zu Hause.

Because of the discomfort, I am staying home.

Genitive case after 'wegen'.

Sie verspürt ein plötzliches Unwohlsein.

She feels a sudden discomfort.

Adjective 'plötzliches' has the neuter ending '-es'.

Das Unwohlsein dauerte nur eine Stunde.

The discomfort lasted only one hour.

Past tense 'dauerte'.

Gibt es ein Medikament gegen Unwohlsein?

Is there a medicine for discomfort?

Indefinite article 'ein'.

Sein Unwohlsein war nach dem Schlaf weg.

His discomfort was gone after sleep.

Prepositional phrase 'nach dem Schlaf'.

Ich kenne dieses Unwohlsein sehr gut.

I know this discomfort very well.

Demonstrative pronoun 'dieses'.

Trotz des Unwohlseins ging er zur Arbeit.

Despite the discomfort, he went to work.

Genitive case after 'trotz'.

Das allgemeine Unwohlsein ist ein Symptom.

General discomfort is a symptom.

Adjective 'allgemeine' in the nominative.

Ein diffuses Unwohlsein kann viele Ursachen haben.

A diffuse discomfort can have many causes.

Use of the modal verb 'kann'.

Er beschrieb sein Unwohlsein als flaues Gefühl.

He described his discomfort as a queasy feeling.

Preposition 'als' for comparisons.

Oft führt Stress zu körperlichem Unwohlsein.

Stress often leads to physical discomfort.

Verb 'führen zu' + dative case.

Sie versuchte, ihr Unwohlsein zu verbergen.

She tried to hide her discomfort.

Infinitive construction with 'zu'.

Das Unwohlsein verschwand an der frischen Luft.

The discomfort disappeared in the fresh air.

Dative case after 'an der'.

Haben Sie auch dieses Unwohlsein gespürt?

Did you also feel this discomfort?

Perfect tense 'haben ... gespürt'.

Das Unwohlsein im Flugzeug war sehr unangenehm.

The discomfort on the plane was very unpleasant.

Adjective 'unangenehm' as a predicate.

Man sollte bei Unwohlsein viel Wasser trinken.

One should drink plenty of water if feeling unwell.

Prepositional phrase 'bei Unwohlsein'.

Das gesellschaftliche Unwohlsein wächst stetig.

Societal malaise is growing steadily.

Abstract usage of the noun.

Ein plötzliches Unwohlsein zwang ihn zur Pause.

A sudden discomfort forced him to take a break.

Verb 'zwingen' + accusative object + 'zu' phrase.

Das Unwohlsein resultiert häufig aus Schlafmangel.

The discomfort often results from lack of sleep.

Verb 'resultieren aus' + dative.

Trotz ihres Unwohlseins hielt sie den Vortrag.

Despite her discomfort, she gave the lecture.

Genitive possessive 'ihres'.

Sein Unwohlsein war ein Vorbote der Grippe.

His discomfort was a precursor to the flu.

Noun 'Vorbote' meaning harbinger/precursor.

Ein Gefühl von Unwohlsein breitete sich im Raum aus.

A feeling of unease spread through the room.

Separable verb 'ausbreiten'.

Das Unwohlsein kann psychosomatisch bedingt sein.

The discomfort can be psychosomatically caused.

Adverbial use of 'psychosomatisch'.

Er klagte über ein chronisches Unwohlsein.

He complained of a chronic discomfort.

Verb 'klagen über' + accusative.

Das Unwohlsein in der Kultur ist ein bekanntes Thema.

Malaise in culture is a well-known theme.

Reference to Freud's terminology.

Sein Unwohlsein rührte von der moralischen Zwickmühle her.

His discomfort stemmed from the moral dilemma.

Separable verb 'herrühren von'.

Ein tief sitzendes Unwohlsein prägte seine Jugend.

A deep-seated malaise characterized his youth.

Participle adjective 'tief sitzendes'.

Das Unwohlsein manifestierte sich in Form von Zittern.

The discomfort manifested itself in the form of trembling.

Reflexive verb 'sich manifestieren'.

Sie ignorierte das Unwohlsein, bis es unerträglich wurde.

She ignored the discomfort until it became unbearable.

Subordinating conjunction 'bis'.

Das Unwohlsein war die Konsequenz seiner Fehlentscheidung.

The discomfort was the consequence of his wrong decision.

Genitive case 'seiner Fehlentscheidung'.

Sein Unwohlsein war subtil, aber dennoch vorhanden.

His discomfort was subtle, but nevertheless present.

Adverb 'dennoch' for contrast.

Das Unwohlsein lässt sich oft schwer lokalisieren.

Discomfort is often difficult to localize.

Passive substitute 'lässt sich ... lokalisieren'.

Das existenzielle Unwohlsein ist ein Motiv der Moderne.

Existential malaise is a motif of modernity.

Academic register.

Es herrscht ein Unwohlsein ob der politischen Lage.

There is a sense of unease regarding the political situation.

Preposition 'ob' with the genitive (archaic/high formal).

Das Unwohlsein fungiert hier als narratives Element.

Discomfort functions here as a narrative element.

Literary analysis terminology.

Sein Unwohlsein war Ausdruck einer tiefen Entfremdung.

His discomfort was an expression of a deep alienation.

Genitive 'einer tiefen Entfremdung'.

Das Unwohlsein unterminierte sein gesamtes Selbstvertrauen.

The discomfort undermined his entire self-confidence.

Advanced verb 'unterminieren'.

Ein diffuses Unwohlsein durchzog den gesamten Roman.

A diffuse unease permeated the entire novel.

Inseparable verb 'durchziehen'.

Das Unwohlsein evozierte Erinnerungen an seine Kindheit.

The discomfort evoked memories of his childhood.

Elevated verb 'evozieren'.

Dem Unwohlsein wohnte eine seltsame Ruhe inne.

A strange calmness was inherent in the discomfort.

Dative verb 'innewohnen'.

Colocações comuns

allgemeines Unwohlsein

plötzliches Unwohlsein

körperliches Unwohlsein

psychisches Unwohlsein

leichtes Unwohlsein

diffuses Unwohlsein

Unwohlsein verspüren

Unwohlsein auslösen

wegen Unwohlseins

subtiles Unwohlsein

Frases Comuns

Ein flaues Gefühl im Magen

— A queasy feeling in the stomach. Often used alongside Unwohlsein.

Das Unwohlsein begann mit einem flauen Gefühl im Magen.

Sich unwohl fühlen

— The verbal equivalent: to feel unwell. Very common in daily speech.

Ich fühle mich heute etwas unwohl.

Klagen über Unwohlsein

— To complain of discomfort. Standard medical phrasing.

Die Passagiere klagten über Unwohlsein.

Anzeichen von Unwohlsein

— Signs of discomfort. Used in observation.

Er zeigte erste Anzeichen von Unwohlsein.

Das Unwohlsein überwinden

— To overcome the feeling of being unwell.

Sie versuchte, ihr Unwohlsein zu überwinden.

Ursache für das Unwohlsein

— The cause of the discomfort.

Wir suchen noch nach der Ursache für das Unwohlsein.

Ein gewisses Unwohlsein

— A certain sense of discomfort. Often used for social unease.

Ein gewisses Unwohlsein blieb nach dem Streit zurück.

Vom Unwohlsein geplagt sein

— To be plagued by discomfort.

Er war die ganze Nacht vom Unwohlsein geplagt.

Das Unwohlsein lindern

— To alleviate the discomfort.

Tee kann das Unwohlsein lindern.

Unwohlsein hervorrufen

— To evoke or cause discomfort.

Die Nachricht rief allgemeines Unwohlsein hervor.

Frequentemente confundido com

das Unwohlsein vs die Übelkeit

Übelkeit is specifically nausea; Unwohlsein is any general bad feeling.

das Unwohlsein vs das Unbehagen

Unbehagen is more about a 'gut feeling' or psychological unease.

das Unwohlsein vs die Krankheit

Krankheit is a specific disease; Unwohlsein is just the feeling of being unwell.

Expressões idiomáticas

"Sich nicht in seiner Haut wohlfühlen"

— To not feel comfortable in one's own skin. Related to psychological Unwohlsein.

In dieser schicken Gesellschaft fühlte er sich nicht in seiner Haut wohl.

informal

"Ein Kloß im Hals haben"

— To have a lump in one's throat. A specific physical sign of emotional Unwohlsein.

Bei der Abschiedsrede hatte sie einen Kloß im Hals.

neutral

"Auf den Magen schlagen"

— To hit the stomach. Used when a situation causes physical Unwohlsein.

Die Nachricht ist mir richtig auf den Magen geschlagen.

informal

"Blass um die Nase sein"

— To be pale around the nose. A visual sign of Unwohlsein.

Du bist aber blass um die Nase, geht es dir gut?

informal

"Wie ein Häufchen Elend dasitzen"

— To sit there like a little pile of misery. Describes extreme Unwohlsein.

Nach der Nachricht saß er wie ein Häufchen Elend da.

informal

"Neben der Kappe sein"

— To be 'beside one's cap' (to feel off or slightly unwell/confused).

Ich bin heute irgendwie völlig neben der Kappe.

slang

"Sich grün und blau ärgern"

— To be extremely annoyed (can cause physical Unwohlsein).

Ich habe mich grün und blau geärgert über den Fehler.

informal

"Den Kopf hängen lassen"

— To let the head hang (to be discouraged or unwell).

Lass den Kopf nicht hängen, das Unwohlsein geht vorbei.

neutral

"Mir dreht sich der Magen um"

— My stomach is turning. High level of physical Unwohlsein/nausea.

Wenn ich das sehe, dreht sich mir der Magen um.

informal

"Aus der Bahn geworfen werden"

— To be thrown off track (by sudden illness or bad news).

Das plötzliche Unwohlsein hat ihn völlig aus der Bahn geworfen.

neutral

Fácil de confundir

das Unwohlsein vs Unwohlsein vs. Übelkeit

Both relate to feeling sick.

Unwohlsein is general malaise; Übelkeit is specifically the feeling that you need to vomit.

Das Unwohlsein war überall, aber die Übelkeit war nur im Magen.

das Unwohlsein vs Unwohlsein vs. Schmerz

Both are negative physical states.

Schmerz is localized pain; Unwohlsein is a systemic, vague feeling.

Ich habe keinen Schmerz im Arm, nur ein allgemeines Unwohlsein.

das Unwohlsein vs Unwohlsein vs. Unbehagen

Both mean discomfort.

Unbehagen is mostly mental/emotional; Unwohlsein is mostly physical/systemic.

Sein Unbehagen in der Menge führte zu körperlichem Unwohlsein.

das Unwohlsein vs Unwohlsein vs. Schwäche

Unwohlsein often involves feeling weak.

Schwäche is specifically a lack of strength; Unwohlsein is a more complex feeling of sickness.

Die Schwäche in den Beinen war Teil seines Unwohlseins.

das Unwohlsein vs Unwohlsein vs. Indisposition

Both are formal terms for being unwell.

Indisposition is even more formal and often implies a temporary, minor ailment.

Wegen einer Indisposition (sehr formell) sagte er ab.

Padrões de frases

Ich habe [Adjektiv] Unwohlsein.

Ich habe leichtes Unwohlsein.

Wegen [Genitiv] Unwohlseins [Verb] ich...

Wegen meines Unwohlseins bleibe ich zu Hause.

Er/Sie verspürt ein [Adjektiv] Unwohlsein.

Sie verspürt ein plötzliches Unwohlsein.

Das Unwohlsein wird durch [Akkusativ] ausgelöst.

Das Unwohlsein wird durch den Stress ausgelöst.

Trotz [Genitiv] Unwohlseins [Verb]...

Trotz seines Unwohlseins arbeitete er weiter.

Ein [Adjektiv] Unwohlsein machte sich breit.

Ein diffuses Unwohlsein machte sich im Raum breit.

Das Unwohlsein rührt von [Dativ] her.

Das Unwohlsein rührt von der schlechten Luft her.

Dem Unwohlsein liegt [Nominativ] zugrunde.

Dem Unwohlsein liegt eine tiefe Angst zugrunde.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

das Wohl

das Wohlbefinden

das Wohlergehen

das Dasein

Verbos

sich wohlfühlen

wohlwollen

wohltun

Adjetivos

unwohl

wohl

wohlig

wohlbehalten

Relacionado

das Bewusstsein

die Übelkeit

das Unbehagen

die Gesundheit

das Kranksein

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Como usar

frequency

Common in medical and formal social contexts; less common in very casual slang.

Erros comuns

Using 'der Unwohlsein'. → das Unwohlsein
All nouns ending in '-sein' are neuter. This is a fixed rule in German grammar.
Saying 'Ich habe Unwohlsein' without an article. → Ich habe ein Unwohlsein / Ich verspüre Unwohlsein.
While 'Ich verspüre Unwohlsein' works, usually an article or a possessive is used when it's the object of 'haben'.
Confusing it with 'Übelkeit' for a broken leg. → Ich habe Schmerzen.
Unwohlsein is for general sickness, not specific physical injuries or localized pain.
Using 'wegen dem Unwohlsein' in a formal letter. → wegen des Unwohlseins
'Wegen' requires the genitive case in formal writing, which is expected at the B1 level and above.
Spelling it as two words: 'Unwohl Sein'. → Unwohlsein
In German, when you nominalize a phrase like 'unwohl sein', it becomes a single capitalized noun.

Dicas

Always Neuter

Remember that all nominalized verbs like 'das Sein' are neuter. This makes 'das Unwohlsein' easy to categorize once you know the rule.

Verb Pairing

Use 'verspüren' for a more native sound. 'Ich verspüre ein Unwohlsein' sounds much better than 'Ich habe ein Unwohlsein' in most contexts.

Medical Umbrella

At the doctor, start with 'Unwohlsein' to give a general picture, then move to specific 'Beschwerden' (symptoms).

Polite Excuses

If you need to leave work or a party, 'wegen Unwohlseins' is a perfectly acceptable and polite reason that doesn't require further detail.

Adjective Use

Add 'allgemein' or 'diffus' to your writing to sound more like a B2/C1 student. It shows you understand the vague nature of the word.

The 'W' Sound

Ensure your 'w' in 'wohl' is a 'v' sound. Many English speakers accidentally use the English 'w' sound, which makes it harder for Germans to understand.

Visual Cues

Associate the word with the color gray or a cloudy sky. It's not a 'storm' (crisis) but it's not 'sunny' (well-being).

Genitive Practice

Use 'wegen des Unwohlseins' to practice your genitive endings. It's a very common phrase in formal German.

News Phrasing

When you hear 'plötzliches Unwohlsein' on the news, it almost always refers to a public figure needing medical attention.

Mental Health

Don't be afraid to use 'Unwohlsein' for mental states. German often blurs the line between physical and mental 'feeling' words.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of 'Un-Wohl-Sein' as 'Un-Well-Being'. If you are not (un) well (wohl) being (sein), you have Unwohlsein.

Associação visual

Imagine a person in a gray cloud. They aren't in pain (no lightning bolts), but they aren't happy (no sun). They are just 'unwohl'.

Word Web

Gesundheit Krankheit Übelkeit Unwohlsein Wohlbefinden Arzt Stress Magen

Desafio

Try to use 'Unwohlsein' in a sentence that describes a social situation rather than a physical illness. For example, 'The awkward silence caused me Unwohlsein.'

Origem da palavra

Derived from the negation 'un-' and the word 'wohl' (well), combined with the nominalized infinitive 'sein' (to be). The word 'wohl' comes from Old High German 'wola' and is related to 'will' (desire/choice).

Significado original: The state of not being in a desired or good condition.

Germanic

Contexto cultural

It is a safe, polite word. It does not carry any social stigma and is an appropriate way to describe health issues in professional settings.

English speakers might say 'I feel a bit off' or 'I have some discomfort,' but 'Unwohlsein' is more commonly used as a formal noun in German than its direct equivalents are in English.

Sigmund Freud's 'Das Unbehagen in der Kultur' (Civilization and Its Discontents) uses a related root. Many German 'Heimat' films feature characters suffering from a 'diffuses Unwohlsein' about modern life. The song 'Unwohl' by various German indie bands often explores this theme.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Doctor's Visit

Ich verspüre ein Unwohlsein.
Das Unwohlsein ist diffus.
Wann begann das Unwohlsein?
Gegen das Unwohlsein helfen Medikamente.

Work/Office

Ich muss mich wegen Unwohlseins abmelden.
Ein plötzliches Unwohlsein zwang mich zur Pause.
Entschuldigen Sie mein Unwohlsein.
Er ist wegen Unwohlseins heute nicht im Büro.

Social Events

Ich fühle ein gewisses Unwohlsein in großen Gruppen.
Das Unwohlsein verging nach einem Glas Wasser.
Trotz meines Unwohlseins bin ich gekommen.
Ihr Unwohlsein war deutlich zu sehen.

Travel

Reiseunwohlsein ist bei Kindern häufig.
Das Unwohlsein auf dem Schiff war schlimm.
Haben Sie etwas gegen Unwohlsein dabei?
Die kurvige Straße verursachte Unwohlsein.

Psychology/Well-being

Ein tiefes Unwohlsein mit der Situation.
Das Unwohlsein rührt von Stress her.
Psychisches Unwohlsein ernst nehmen.
Symptome von Unwohlsein erkennen.

Iniciadores de conversa

"Hattest du schon mal ein plötzliches Unwohlsein während einer wichtigen Prüfung?"

"Was tust du normalerweise, wenn du ein leichtes Unwohlsein verspürst?"

"Glaubst du, dass gesellschaftliches Unwohlsein durch soziale Medien verstärkt wird?"

"Kannst du den Unterschied zwischen Unwohlsein und Übelkeit auf Deutsch erklären?"

"Ist Unwohlsein ein guter Grund, eine Verabredung kurzfristig abzusagen?"

Temas para diário

Beschreibe eine Situation, in der du ein tiefes Unwohlsein verspürt hast. Was war die Ursache?

Reflektiere über den Begriff 'gesellschaftliches Unwohlsein'. Siehst du Anzeichen dafür in deiner Umgebung?

Wie unterscheidet sich dein körperliches Unwohlsein von deinem psychischen Unwohlsein?

Schreibe einen fiktiven Dialog zwischen einem Arzt und einem Patienten über ein diffuses Unwohlsein.

Was sind deine besten Tipps, um ein aufkommendes Unwohlsein schnell zu überwinden?

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

No, it can also describe psychological or social discomfort. For example, if you feel out of place at a party, you can describe that feeling as 'Unwohlsein'. However, physical malaise is the most common use.

Technically, it is 'die Unwohlsein', but it is almost never used in the plural. Germans prefer 'Beschwerden' (complaints/ailments) if they want to talk about multiple issues.

You would say 'Ich verspüre ein Unwohlsein' or 'Ich habe ein Unwohlsein.' Using the verb 'verspüren' (to perceive/feel) sounds slightly more natural and sophisticated.

It is always 'das'. All nouns created from infinitives ending in '-sein' are neuter.

A headache is a 'Kopfschmerz'. While a headache can be *part* of your 'Unwohlsein', the word 'Unwohlsein' itself is too vague to specifically mean a headache.

Yes, especially in formal writing, news, and medical contexts. In casual speech, people often just say 'Mir ist schlecht' or 'Ich fühle mich nicht gut'.

Yes, it describes a negative state, but it is a neutral and polite way to express it. It is not 'rude' or 'gross' to say.

'Unwohl' is the adjective ('Ich fühle mich unwohl'), and 'Unwohlsein' is the noun ('Mein Unwohlsein ist weg'). They mean the same thing but function differently in a sentence.

Yes, it is often used to describe the physical symptoms of anxiety, like a tight chest or a nervous stomach, before the word 'Angst' is used.

U-n-w-o-h-l-s-e-i-n. Remember it is one word and the 'U' is capitalized because it is a noun.

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