01
chirurgisch
surgical
Relating to surgery; carried out by means of an operation.
example
Der Tumor musste in einem chirurgischen Eingriff entfernt werden.
The tumor had to be removed in a surgical procedure.
chirurgisch
surgical
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 02
Usage tips
Word formation
The adjective 'chirurgisch' (surgical) is derived from the noun 'die Chirurgie' (surgery). The ending '-isch' (-ic/-ical) is a typical ending used to form an adjective from a noun.
EXAMPLE
Die chirurgische Abteilung des Krankenhauses ist sehr modern.
The hospital's surgical department is very modern.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning from the context. If people are talking about medicine, operations, or doctors, the literal meaning is intended. In other contexts that require accuracy, the figurative meaning is intended.
EXAMPLE
Für diese Operation braucht man ein chirurgisches Skalpell.
You need a surgical scalpel for this operation.
Typical collocations
In a medical context, 'chirurgisch' (surgical) is often combined with certain nouns. Common combinations are 'chirurgischer Eingriff' (surgical procedure), 'chirurgische Behandlung' (surgical treatment), or 'chirurgische Instrumente' (surgical instruments).
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Unfall war ein kleiner chirurgischer Eingriff notwendig.
After the accident, a small surgical procedure was necessary.
Fixed expression
In the figurative meaning, the word is almost always used in the fixed expression 'mit chirurgischer Präzision' (with surgical precision) or 'mit chirurgischer Genauigkeit' (with surgical accuracy). It describes an extremely exact approach.
EXAMPLE
Mit chirurgischer Präzision setzte er das Modellauto zusammen.
With surgical precision, he assembled the model car.
Compare with
chirurgisch vs genau
exact / precise
'genau' and 'chirurgisch' can both describe very precise action. 'genau' is the normal, neutral word for something exact or careful. In this relation, 'chirurgisch' is used figuratively: it sounds more vivid and stronger, as if someone is working in a very targeted way and without unnecessary mistakes. The word fits more with special situations in which an action seems very controlled, clean, and precise. In everyday language, 'genau' is usually more natural; 'chirurgisch' highlights the special precision.
chirurgisch
Die Technikerin entfernte den defekten Teil mit fast chirurgischer Genauigkeit.
The technician removed the defective part with almost surgical precision.
genau
Für das Regal muss Max die Bretter genau messen.
For the shelf, Max has to measure the boards precisely.
In real life
Loading video examples...