German Phrase
Das ist ein stechender, pochender Schmerz.
Meaning
The sentence translates to “That is a stabbing, throbbing pain.” It combines two vivid adjectives to give a precise medical description of the type of pain being experienced.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to describe a sharp, pulsating pain to a doctor, pharmacist, or anyone asking about your symptoms. It is also useful in a health‑related conversation or when narrating a personal experience of injury.
✦Grammar Breakdown
DasisteinstechenderpochenderSchmerz
Das (Demonstrativpronomen)
Neuter nominative demonstrative pronoun meaning 'that' or 'this'.
ist (sein)
3rd person singular present of 'sein' (to be).
ein (unbestimmter Artikel)
Indefinite article in neuter nominative, used before a singular noun.
stechender (Partizip I)
Present participle of 'stechen' used as an adjective; strong declension ending -er for masculine/neuter nominative.
pochender (Partizip I)
Present participle of 'pochen' used as an adjective; strong declension ending -er for masculine/neuter nominative.
Schmerz (Maskulinum)
Masculine noun meaning 'pain', here in nominative singular.
🗨In Conversation
Das ist ein stechender, pochender Schmerz.
That is a stabbing, throbbing pain.
Wie lange haben Sie das schon?
How long have you had that?
✕Common Mistakes
Das ist ein stechende, pochende Schmerz.
The adjective must agree with the masculine noun *Schmerz* in nominative case, so the correct ending is -er, not -e.
Das ist einen stechenden, pochenden Schmerz.
Because the predicate noun is in nominative after *sein*, the indefinite article stays *ein*, not the accusative *einen*.
↔Alternatives
Das ist ein scharfer, pulsierender Schmerz.
That is a sharp, pulsating pain.
Ich spüre einen stechenden, pochenden Schmerz.
I feel a stabbing, throbbing pain.
Der Schmerz ist stechend und pocht.
The pain is stabbing and throbbing.
Cultural Tip
In German medical communication, speakers are expected to be precise. Using specific adjectives like *stechend* (stabbing) and *pochend* (throbbing) helps doctors quickly assess the nature of the problem. Avoid overly vague terms such as *einfach* (just) or *schlecht* (bad) when describing pain.