der  Durchfall

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈdʊʁçfal/

🚽 What does 'der Durchfall' mean?

Der Durchfall is the German word for diarrhea. It refers to a common digestive disorder characterized by frequent, loose, or watery bowel movements.

• Meaning 1: The medical condition of diarrhea (most common use). It's a masculine noun, so it's always der Durchfall.

🚨 There are no other common meanings for this word with the article 'der'. The meaning is clearly focused on the digestive issue.

Article rules for der, die, and das

Grammar Focus: Declining 'der Durchfall' 🧐

The word 'Durchfall' is a masculine noun. It is mainly used in the singular. The plural ('die Durchfälle' - the diarrheas/instances of diarrhea) is grammatically possible but very rare in this medical sense.

Declension (Singular)

Example Sentences

1. Nominativ: Der Durchfall kann sehr unangenehm sein.
   (Diarrhea can be very unpleasant.)
2. Akkusativ: Ich habe seit gestern den Durchfall.
   (I've had diarrhea since yesterday.)
3. Dativ: Bei dem Durchfall sollte man viel trinken.
   (With diarrhea, one should drink a lot.)
4. Genitiv: Die Ursache des Durchfalls ist oft eine Infektion.
   (The cause of the diarrhea is often an infection.)

Using 'Durchfall' in Context 🤔

'Durchfall' is typically used in medical or everyday contexts when discussing the condition. It's a direct word that everyone understands in German-speaking countries.

• Medical Context: Doctors and pharmacists use the term professionally. Example: "Der Patient leidet an akutem Durchfall." (The patient is suffering from acute diarrhea.)
• Everyday Context: People use it to talk about their own ailments or those of others. Discussing it in detail might be considered slightly unpleasant in some social settings. Example: "Ich kann heute nicht kommen, ich habe leider Durchfall." (I can't come today, unfortunately I have diarrhea.)
• Distinction: 'Durchfall' is more specific than a general 'Magenverstimmung' (upset stomach) or 'Bauchschmerzen' (stomach ache), although these often accompany it.
• Colloquial Alternatives: There are many informal, sometimes vulgar, terms like 'Dünnschiss' or 'Flitzekacke' (roughly 'the runs' or similar crude terms), which should generally be avoided unless in very informal company.

🧠 Memory Hooks for 'der Durchfall'

Mnemonic for the article 'der': Think of the condition making things *fall through* you. You might say "Oh *dear* (der), I have to go!" It's der Durch-fall.

Mnemonic for the meaning: Imagine food *falling through* (durch + fall) your system too quickly. That's Durchfall.

Synonyms, Antonyms & Similar Words ↔️

😂 A Little Joke / Ein kleiner Witz

DE: Fragt der Arzt den Patienten: "Hatten Sie Erfolg mit der Schonkost gegen den Durchfall?" Patient: "Teilweise, Herr Doktor. Ich muss zwar immer noch so oft rennen, aber jetzt trau ich mich wieder zu husten!"

EN: The doctor asks the patient: "Did the bland diet help with the diarrhea?" Patient: "Partially, doctor. I still have to run just as often, but now I dare to cough again!"

📜 Poem / Gedicht

DE:
Der Bauch, er grummelt, zwickt und zwackt,
Etwas hat den Darm gepackt.
Man rennt geschwind, es ist ein Graus,
Beim Durchfall muss halt alles raus.
Schnell Tee gekocht, Zwieback bereit,
So endet hoffentlich die leidige Zeit.

EN Translation:
The tummy rumbles, pinches, tweaks,
Something has the bowels in its streaks.
You run so fast, it is a dread,
With diarrhea, all must be shed.
Quick tea is brewed, some rusk prepared,
So hopefully, this bad time is repaired.

❓ Riddle / Rätsel

DE:
Ich komme oft nach schlechtem Essen,
Hab' Eile, lass dich's nicht vergessen.
Dein Bauch tut weh, du rennst zur Tür,
Was plagt dich wohl? Ich sag es dir:

... Der Durchfall

EN Translation:
I often come from food that's bad,
I'm hasty, don't forget it, lad.
Your belly aches, you run for the door,
What troubles you? I'll tell you more:

... Diarrhea (Der Durchfall)

🧐 Other Insights & Etymology

Word Composition

The word 'Durchfall' is a compound noun made of:

• durch: preposition/adverb meaning 'through' or 'passing'.
• Fall: noun from 'fallen' (to fall), here in the sense of 'something that comes down/passes through quickly'.

The combination figuratively describes the rapid 'falling through' of food through the digestive system.

Trivia

• Diarrhea (Durchfall) is not a disease itself, but a symptom of various causes (infections, intolerances, stress, etc.).
• Traveler's diarrhea ('Reisedurchfall' or jokingly 'Montezumas Rache' - Montezuma's Revenge) is a common complaint when traveling to countries with different hygiene standards.