How to Say 'It Hurts' in German: On the German Verb "wehtun"

Are you ready to delve into the intricate world of German verbs? Today, we're shining a spotlight on a particularly interesting one: "wehtun." Join us as we explore its meaning, usage, grammar, and fascinating origin.

How to say it hurts in German

How to say it hurts in German

Should you ever need to have a consultation with a doctor in a German-speaking country or discuss pain with friends or relatives, you'll need to know how to say "it hurts" in German. So, in this post, we'll explain how to use the German verb "wehtun".

How to use wehtun in German

Exploring the Origin of "Wehtun"

The word "wehtun" consists of two parts: "weh" and "tun." "Weh" can be traced back to Middle High German and Old High German, where it meant pain or suffering. "Tun" simply means "to do" or "to act." When combined, "wehtun" encapsulates the action of causing pain or suffering, reflecting its deep roots in the German language.

Unraveling the Meaning of "Wehtun" "Wehtun" is a separable verb in German that literally translates to "to hurt" or "to cause pain." It's a versatile verb used to express physical or emotional pain inflicted upon oneself or others. Whether you stub your toe, experience heartache, or witness someone else in distress, "wehtun" is the go-to verb to describe it.

Understanding the Grammar Behind "Wehtun" As a separable verb, "wehtun" follows a specific structure in different tenses and sentence constructions. Here's how it works:

• Present Tense:
  

  • Ich tue mir weh. (I hurt myself.)

  • Du tust dir weh. (You hurt yourself.)

  • Er/sie/es tut sich weh. (He/she/it hurts himself/herself/itself.)

  • Wir tun uns weh. (We hurt ourselves.)

  • Ihr tut euch weh. (You hurt yourselves.)

  • Sie tun sich weh. (They hurt themselves.)

• Past Tense (Perfekt):
  

  • Ich habe mir wehgetan. (I hurt myself.)

  • Du hast dir wehgetan. (You hurt yourself.)

  • Er/sie/es hat sich wehgetan. (He/she/it hurt himself/herself/itself.)

  • Wir haben uns wehgetan. (We hurt ourselves.)

  • Ihr habt euch wehgetan. (You hurt yourselves.)

  • Sie haben sich wehgetan. (They hurt themselves.)

• Future Tense (Futur I):
  

  • Ich werde mir wehtun. (I will hurt myself.)

  • Du wirst dir wehtun. (You will hurt yourself.)

  • Er/sie/es wird sich wehtun. (He/she/it will hurt himself/herself/itself.)

  • Wir werden uns wehtun. (We will hurt ourselves.)

  • Ihr werdet euch wehtun. (You will hurt yourselves.)

  • Sie werden sich wehtun. (They will hurt themselves.)

Examples to Illuminate Its Usage

• Physical Pain:
  

  • Mir tut der Kopf weh. (My head hurts.)

  • Meine Beine tun mir weh. (My legs hurt.)

  • You'll learn the German names of body parts in German in a related post.

• Emotional Pain:
  

  • Es tut mir leid. (I'm sorry.)

  • Das hat ihm wirklich wehgetan. (That really hurt him.)

• Inflicting Pain on Others:
  

  • Bitte tue deinem Bruder nicht weh. (Please don't hurt your brother.)

  • Das Spielzeug hat das Kind verletzt, es hat ihm wehgetan. (The toy hurt the child; it hurt him.)

Final Thoughts "Wehtun" is more than just a verb; it's a window into the complexities of human experience, both physical and emotional. By understanding its usage, grammar, and origin, you'll be better equipped to navigate the rich tapestry of the German language. So, the next time you encounter pain or want to empathise with someone else's suffering, remember the power of "wehtun" to convey those emotions with clarity and precision.

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