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.
numbness
A state of emotional numbness or dazedness that can be caused by shock, deep grief, or also by drugs.
Nach der schrecklichen Nachricht fühlte sie nur noch eine leere Betäubung.
After the terrible news, she felt only an empty numbness.
'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.
anesthesia
In medical contexts, Betäubung and Narkose both refer to eliminating pain. Betäubung is often used in everyday language for a local treatment in which the patient remains awake. Narkose usually refers to a stronger intervention, especially general anesthesia that causes unconsciousness; however, partial anesthesia also exists.
Vor der Zahnbehandlung erhält die Patientin eine örtliche Betäubung und bleibt wach.
Before the dental treatment, the patient is given a local anesthetic and remains awake.
Vor der großen Operation erhält die Patientin eine Narkose und verliert das Bewusstsein.
Before the major operation, the patient is given general anesthesia and loses consciousness.
