🧑‍🦯🔙😣📅

How to Say ‘His back is playing up today’ in German

Der hat heute selbst Rücken

dair haht hoin-te zelpst RUE-ken

[dair haht hoin-te zelpst RUE-ken]

💬 Usage Tip: der here means "he", pointing at someone already mentioned. selbst adds "himself", hinting he can't help because he's ailing too.

🇩🇪 In Germany: Using der for a person is casual and familiar, fine among family but too blunt about someone you'd call Sie.

Phrase Breakdown

Der hat heute

dair haht hoin-te

He has today

In casual speech, 'der' is used instead of 'er' to mean 'he'. 'Heute' sounds like HOY-te.

Example

Der hat heute frei.

He has the day off today.

Words in this phrase

Der

[dair]

he (that one)

Demonstrative used colloquially as 'he'.

Example

Der kommt später.

He's coming later.

hat

[haht]

has

Form of haben used to ask whether something has helped.

Example

Hat der Neustart etwas gebracht?

Has the restart helped at all?

heute

[hoin-te]

today

On this present day.

Example

Heute zieh' ich zum letzten Mal um.

Today I am moving for the last time.

selbst Rücken

zelpst RUE-ken

a bad back himself

'Rücken haben' is slang for 'having back pain'. 'Selbst' means 'himself / too'. The 'ü' is said with rounded lips, like 'ee' through an 'oo' mouth.

Example

Ich hab selbst Rücken.

I've got a bad back myself.

Words in this phrase

selbst

[zelpst]

himself; too

Here: he himself, also.

Example

Sie ist selbst krank.

She is ill herself.

Rücken

[RUE-ken]

back (pain)

'Rücken haben' is colloquial for having back pain.

Example

Ich habe Rücken.

My back is hurting.

Guides for German learners

Duolingo vs Pimsleur: Tapping on a Screen or Talking Out Loud?Duolingo vs Pimsleur: five minutes of tapping versus thirty minutes of speaking. What each is good at, what each costs, and which to pick for your goal.

Get the Full Learning Experience

This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.

Pronunciation Feedback

AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Lessons for Your Situation

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Get Full Lesson

What Learners Are Saying

“Berlin bureaucracy requires real German. This app got me from zero to handling my Anmeldung appointment in three weeks. My coworkers couldn’t believe it.”

Emma L., 27, UX Researcher

“Relocated to Munich with my family. The everyday scenarios — grocery shopping, doctor visits, school meetings — are exactly what we needed to settle in.”

Marcus J., 40, Engineer

“Learning a language has never been as immediately impactful. Now I can charm the locals and navigate the food scene like a boss.”

Alex M., 42, Software Engineer