der Durchfall
Translation
diarrhea, failure
Examples
Ich habe Durchfall.
I have diarrhea.
Die Prüfung war ein totaler Durchfall.
The exam was a complete failure.
Grammar Patterns
to have diarrhea ((sth.)) He often has diarrhea.
to be a failure ((sth.)) The party was a real failure.
Similar Words
Synonyms: Diarrhö (medical), Misserfolg (failure); Antonyms: Verstopfung (constipation), Erfolg (success)
Etymology
From 'durch' (through) and 'Fall' (fall). Literally 'a falling through', which vividly describes the medical condition or a complete failure.
Memory Tips
Picture something 'falling through' your digestive system. For the figurative meaning, imagine 'falling through' an exam.