autistisch
autistic
Relating to or characterized by autism. The word also describes behaviors or traits associated with autism.
EXAMPLE
Die Ärztin untersuchte das Kind auf autistische Merkmale.
The doctor examined the child for autistic traits.
autistisch
autistic
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
autistisch
autistic
In educated usage and usually derogatory: focused only on oneself, without noticing the views and needs of others.
EXAMPLE
Kritiker werfen der Parteiführung eine autistische Haltung vor, weil sie nicht auf die Basis hört.
Critics accuse the party leadership of taking an autistic stance because it does not listen to its grassroots members.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry autistisch, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
Comparison
| basic form | autistisch |
|---|
After der, die, das
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -e | -e | -e | -en |
| acc. | -en | -e | -e | -en |
| dat. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| gen. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Add the ending to autistisch.
After ein, eine
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -er | -e | -es | -en |
| acc. | -en | -e | -es | -en |
| dat. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| gen. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Add the ending to autistisch.
Without article
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -er | -e | -es | -e |
| acc. | -en | -e | -es | -e |
| dat. | -em | -er | -em | -en |
| gen. | -en | -er | -en | -er |
Add the ending to autistisch.
Usage tips
Context clues
Words such as „Diagnose“ (diagnosis), „Entwicklung“ (development), and „Untersuchung“ (examination) usually point to the medical meaning. When „autistisch“ is used in reference to a government, a political party, or its policies, it usually has the figurative, derogatory meaning.
EXAMPLE
Bei der Untersuchung wurden autistische Merkmale festgestellt.
The examination identified autistic traits.
Der Kommentator bezeichnete die Regierung als autistisch, weil sie auf keinerlei Kritik reagierte.
The commentator described the government as autistic because it responded to no criticism whatsoever.
Typical collocations
Common collocations include „autistische Menschen“ (autistic people), „autistische Kinder“ (autistic children), and „autistische Merkmale“ (autistic traits). When referring to people, the word also appears in texts about school, work, and everyday life, not only in medical reports.
EXAMPLE
Die Schule bietet autistischen Kindern bei Bedarf einen ruhigen Rückzugsraum.
The school provides autistic children with a quiet room to retreat to if needed.
Derogatory use
As an accusation, „autistisch“ can demean autistic people because it associates autism with undesirable behavior. This impact should especially be considered when making statements about politics or public behavior; it does not indicate a medical diagnosis.
EXAMPLE
Die Bezeichnung seiner Politik als „autistisch“ löste Proteste von Menschen mit Autismus aus.
Describing his policies as „autistisch“ sparked protests from autistic people.
In real life
Loading video examples...