jammern

to moan, to whine, to wail

verb YAM-mern Rare

Usage Note

jammern describes complaining or moaning, often with a self-pitying quality. Used for both physical pain vocalisations and emotional complaints. Über Schmerzen jammern (to moan about pain) and rum jammern (to keep moaning) are common collocations.

Examples

"Er jammert schon seit Stunden über seine Rückenschmerzen."

Natural Translation

He has been moaning about his back pain for hours.

Literal Translation

He moans already since hours about his back-pains.

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