Schnäuzen

Schnäuzen is a German verb that denotes the act of blowing one’s nose to clear nasal passages. It typically involves exhaling through the nose while using a tissue or handkerchief. The action is aimed at removing mucus or irritation from the nasal cavity.

The verb is most commonly used reflexively in everyday speech: ich schnäuze mir die Nase, du schnäuzt dir die Nase, er schnäuzt sich die Nase. In standard German it is understood as a casual or colloquial term, and in many contexts it is preferred over more formal descriptions like demonstrating the result of the action rather than the act itself.

Regional use and register vary. Schnäuzen is common in Austrian and southern German dialects and in Swiss German, where it may be more frequent than in northern, more formal varieties of High German. In everyday written German, speakers might opt for the more general expression die Nase putzen, depending on register and context.

Distinctions from related terms are notable. Niesen refers to the involuntary explosive release of air through the nose due to irritation or illness, while schnäuzen describes the deliberate act of blowing the nose. Practically, schnäuzen is often performed with a tissue or disposable napkin and can be loud or brisk, especially when nasal congestion is present.

Hygiene is commonly emphasized in contemporary etiquette: use a tissue, dispose of it, and wash or sanitize hands afterward to minimize the spread of germs.