anesthesia / numbness
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anesthesia
A medical state in which the sensation of pain is switched off by medication, for example during an operation. A distinction is made between local anesthesia and general anesthesia.
Vor dem Eingriff erhielt der Patient eine lokale Betäubung am Arm.
Before the procedure, the patient received local anesthesia in his arm.
'Die Betäubung' (anesthesia / numbness) is the noun corresponding to the verb 'betäuben' (to numb/anesthetize). This verb is derived from the adjective 'taub' (numb), which means 'without feeling.' A 'Betäubung' is therefore the state in which you no longer feel something.
Der Arzt betäubte die Wunde, bevor er sie nähte.
The doctor numbed the wound before stitching it.
You can recognize the meaning from the context. In a medical context (doctor, operation), it refers to insensitivity to pain. In an emotional context (shock, grief), it describes emotional numbness.
Die Betäubung für die Zahn-OP wirkt schnell.
The anesthesia for the dental surgery takes effect quickly.
In a medical context, fixed phrases are common: you 'bekommt' or 'erhält' eine Betäubung (get or receive anesthesia), the doctor 'gibt' eine Betäubung (administers anesthesia), the anesthesia 'wirkt' (takes effect) and 'lässt nach' (wears off).
Die Wirkung der Betäubung ließ langsam nach.
The effect of the anesthesia slowly wore off.
To describe the state of emotional numbness, people often use the phrases 'in einem Zustand der Betäubung sein' (to be in a state of numbness) or 'eine (leere) Betäubung fühlen' (to feel an empty numbness).
Sie erledigte ihre Aufgaben wie in Betäubung.
She did her tasks as if in a numb state.
intoxication / rush / noise
'der Rausch' and 'die Betäubung' can both describe a state in which perception and feeling are no longer normal. 'Der Rausch' typically arises from alcohol or drugs and affects behavior, mood, and thinking. 'Die Betäubung' emphasizes more that pain, feelings, or clear perception are switched off or strongly dulled. It can be medical, for example at the dentist, or can arise from shock, grief, or drugs. Learners may confuse the words because a kind of numbness can also occur during intoxication. As a practical rule: for alcohol and drugs as a state, people often say 'Rausch'; for freedom from pain, numbness, or dazedness, 'Betäubung' fits better.
Vor der Behandlung bekam Lisa beim Zahnarzt eine lokale Betäubung.
Before the treatment, Lisa received local anesthesia at the dentist.
Nach zu viel Alkohol war er in einem Rausch und sprach sehr laut.
After too much alcohol, he was intoxicated and spoke very loudly.