verb

kotzen

vomit

Wenn jemand etwas gegessen oder getrunken hat und es aus dem Mund wieder herauskommt, oft weil ihm schlecht ist.

Definition & meaning

The word kotzen is a colloquial and somewhat vulgar German verb that primarily means "to vomit" or "to throw up." It is used in informal settings and is considered much more graphic or blunt than formal alternatives.

In a figurative sense, the word is used to express extreme dissatisfaction, disgust, or annoyance with a situation or a person. For example, the expression "das kotzt mich an" translates to "that really grosses me out" or "that really pisses me off," indicating that something is making the speaker feel metaphorically sick with frustration.

Grammar & Word origin

The verb kotzen is a regular (weak) verb. Its principal parts are:

Present: er/sie/es kotzt
Präteritum: er/sie/es kotzte
Perfekt: hat gekotzt

The word has been part of the German language since Middle High German (as "kotzen"). It is widely believed to be onomatopoeic, meaning the sound of the word itself is intended to imitate the sound made while vomiting.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms for the physical act:

erbrechen (The formal medical term)
sich übergeben[?](vocabuo://word/sich übergeben) (The standard neutral term)
reihern (A slang term similar to "to barf")
speien (A more elevated or archaic term)

Synonyms for the figurative sense (being annoyed):

ankotzen (Used as a prefix verb: "to disgust someone")
zuwider sein[?](vocabuo://word/zuwider sein) (To be loathsome)

Antonyms: There are no direct antonyms for the physical act of vomiting. For the figurative sense of being disgusted, antonyms relating to pleasure or enjoyment can be used: