der  Schluckauf

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʃlʊkˌʔaʊf/

😮 What exactly is a 'Schluckauf'?

Der Schluckauf is the German word for hiccup(s) (medically: Singultus). It refers to an involuntary, spasmodic contraction of the diaphragm while the glottis in the larynx closes simultaneously. This results in the characteristic 'hic' sound.

It's usually a harmless and temporary phenomenon that can affect anyone. However, persistent hiccups can sometimes indicate an underlying medical condition.

The word is exclusively used with the masculine article der.

🧐 Grammar of 'der Schluckauf' in Detail

The noun „Schluckauf“ is masculine. Here are the declension tables:

💬 Example Sentences

1. Er hat einen hartnäckigen Schluckauf.
   (He has persistent hiccups.)
2. Das Baby bekam nach dem Trinken einen Schluckauf.
   (The baby got hiccups after drinking.)
3. Die Ursache des Schluckaufs ist oft nicht klar.
   (The cause of the hiccups is often unclear.)
4. Was hilft gegen Schluckauf?
   (What helps against hiccups?)

🗣️ How to use 'Schluckauf'?

The term „Schluckauf“ is used in everyday language to describe the common phenomenon of hiccuping. Typically, you say:

• Ich habe Schluckauf. (I have hiccups.)
• Er hat einen Schluckauf bekommen. (He got hiccups / started hiccuping.)
• Mein Schluckauf geht nicht weg. (My hiccups won't go away.)

It describes a physical reaction and is rarely used metaphorically. In a medical context, the technical term Singultus might be preferred, but „Schluckauf“ is universally understood.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article Aid: Imagine: Der Mann (the man, masculine 'der') quickly swallows his beer and promptly gets den Schluckauf (hiccups). Der Mann -> der Schluckauf.

Meaning Aid: When you schluck (swallow), something goes wrong, and air comes back auf (up) spasmodically. Schluck + auf = Schluckauf (hiccup).

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

😄 A Hiccup to Laugh About

German: Warum hat der Computer Schluckauf?
Er hat zu viele Cookies geschluckt! 🍪

English: Why did the computer have hiccups?
It swallowed too many cookies! 🍪

📜 Hiccup Rhymes

German:
Hick! Da ist er wieder,
der kleine, fiese Störer.
Im Bauch, da zuckt's und ruckt's,
man hält die Luft, es nutzt nix.
Ein Schluck Wasser, Schreckmoment,
hoffentlich ist er weggerennt!
Der Schluckauf, ja, der nervt,
hat man ihn erst ererbt?

English Translation:
Hic! There it is again,
the little, nasty disturber.
In the belly, it twitches and jerks,
you hold your breath, it's no use.
A sip of water, a moment of fright,
hopefully it has run away!
The hiccup, yes, it's annoying,
did one perhaps inherit it?

❓ Who or What am I?

German:
Ich komme plötzlich, ohne Fragen,
bring' dich zum Zucken und zum Klagen.
Ein 'Hick' mein Laut, ganz ungelenk.
Mal kurz, mal lang – ein Nervgeschenk.

Was bin ich wohl? Na, überdenk!

English Translation:
I come suddenly, without asking,
make you twitch and complain.
A 'hic' my sound, quite clumsy.
Sometimes short, sometimes long – a gift for the nerves.

What could I be? Well, think about it!

Solution: Der Schluckauf (Hiccups)

💡 Interesting Facts about 'der Schluckauf'

Word Composition: The word „Schluckauf“ is composed of the verb schlucken (to swallow) and the preposition/adverb auf (up/open). It figuratively describes how something (air) comes back up during swallowing.

Trivia: There are countless home remedies for hiccups, many with unproven effectiveness (e.g., holding your breath, drinking cold water, being startled). The longest documented case of hiccups allegedly lasted for 68 years!