chronisch
chronic
Describes an illness or ailment that lasts a long time or keeps recurring and is often difficult or impossible to cure.
EXAMPLE
Er leidet an chronischen Rückenschmerzen.
He suffers from chronic back pain.
chronisch
chronic
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Meanings
chronisch
chronic
Used figuratively to describe a persistent negative condition or shortage.
EXAMPLE
Die Stadt hat ein chronisches Problem mit dem Verkehr.
The city has a chronic problem with traffic.
Usage tips
Word family
The word 'chronisch' (chronic) comes from the Greek word 'chronos' meaning 'time'. This origin helps explain why it always describes something that lasts over a long period of time.
EXAMPLE
Die Verspätungen der Bahn sind hier ein chronisches Ärgernis.
The train delays here are a chronic nuisance.
Typical collocations
In medical contexts, 'chronisch' (chronic) is very often combined with illnesses and symptoms. Typical combinations are 'chronische Schmerzen' (chronic pain), 'eine chronische Krankheit' (a chronic illness), or the statement 'er ist chronisch krank' (he is chronically ill).
EXAMPLE
Viele Menschen leiden unter einer chronischen Erkrankung der Atemwege.
Many people suffer from a chronic respiratory disease.
Figurative meaning
In the figurative meaning, 'chronisch' (chronic) describes a lasting shortage or negative problem. Common combinations are 'chronischer Geldmangel' (chronic lack of money), 'chronische Unzufriedenheit' (chronic dissatisfaction), or 'chronische Müdigkeit' (chronic tiredness).
EXAMPLE
Der Verein leidet an einem chronischen Mangel an Freiwilligen.
The association suffers from a chronic shortage of volunteers.
Compare with
chronisch vs dauerhaft
permanent / lasting
When referring to an illness that has lasted a long time, both words can describe its duration. “Chronisch” is the appropriate term for an illness or ailment that lasts a long time or keeps recurring; “dauerhaft” only says that a condition continues for a long time. In a medical context, “chronisch” is therefore usually more precise.
chronisch
Die Ärztin stellte eine chronische Erkrankung fest.
The doctor diagnosed a chronic illness.
dauerhaft
Die Krankheit kann dauerhaft Schmerzen verursachen.
The illness may cause lasting pain.
In real life
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