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ächzen

to groan, to grunt with effort

verb EKHTS-en Rare

Also means

to creak (of wood)

Usage Note

ächzen describes the involuntary guttural sound made under physical strain or pain — distinct from stöhnen (which is more sustained) in being shorter and more grunting. Common in descriptions of physical exertion, old age, or lifting heavy objects.

Examples

"Er ächzte, als er die schwere Kiste anhob."

Natural Translation

He grunted as he lifted the heavy crate.

Literal Translation

He groaned, when he the heavy crate lifted.

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