German word

Kopfschmerz

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈkɔpfˌʃmɛɐ̯t͡s/

Meaning

  • masculine nounheadache

Example

Ich habe Kopfschmerzen.

I have a headache.

Illustration for Kopfschmerz (headache)

More examples

Trotz Ruhe hörten die Kopfschmerzen nicht auf.

Despite resting, the headaches did not stop.

Core concept

A person rubbing both temples while a steady ache fills the head.

Common phrases

  • plötzlich einsetzende Kopfschmerzen

    sudden-onset headaches

  • anhaltende Kopfschmerzen

    persistent headaches

  • bei Kopfschmerzen zum Arzt gehen

    go to the doctor for headaches

Similar words

Kopfschmerzen: Pain affecting the head, commonly used in plural form.
Migräne: A severe, throbbing headache that may cause nausea and light sensitivity.
Schmerz: A broad term for pain anywhere in the body.
Kopfweh: An informal everyday term for pain in the head.

Definition in German

Schmerz, der im Kopf lokalisiert ist.

Word origin

Kopfschmerz is a transparent compound of Kopf ('head') and Schmerz ('pain'), with the compound specifying the location of the pain.

Usage tips

  • The everyday complaint usually uses the plural: Ich habe Kopfschmerzen, although singular Kopfschmerz is also grammatical.

Opposites

  • Schmerzfreiheitfreedom from painnoun

Related words

  • Kopfschmerzattackeheadache attacknoun
  • kopfschmerzbedingtheadache-relatedadjective

Word lists with this word