innerer Schweinehund
inner lazy self, inner temptation to be lazy
Pronunciation
/ˈɪnɐʁɐ ˈʃvaɪ̯nəˌhʊnt/
Cultural Note
Literally 'inner pig-dog,' this vivid German expression personifies the lazy, comfort-seeking voice inside that prevents you from doing what you should. Germans talk about 'overcoming' (überwinden) their Schweinehund regularly — it's a very common topic in fitness, self-improvement, and everyday conversation. The word is humorous but taken seriously as a concept.
📝 Example Sentences
Heute habe ich meinen inneren Schweinehund überwunden und bin joggen gegangen.
Today I overcame my inner lazy self and went jogging.
Der innere Schweinehund ist mein größter Feind.
My inner temptation to be lazy is my biggest enemy.
Gegen den inneren Schweinehund hilft nur Disziplin.
Only discipline helps against the inner Schweinehund.