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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
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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 ständig
constant
'ständig' and 'chronisch' both describe something that lasts a long time or happens again and again. 'ständig' is general and fits many situations: someone talks constantly, a device constantly makes noise, or you constantly have a lot to do. 'chronisch' is used above all for illnesses or ailments that last a long time or keep coming back. Figuratively, it can also describe a persistent negative condition, for example 'chronischer Geldmangel' (chronic lack of money). Learners may confuse the words because both express duration. As a practical rule: for normal frequency, you usually use 'ständig'; for long-term illnesses or serious persistent problems, 'chronisch' is more likely.
chronisch
Er hat chronische Rückenschmerzen und muss regelmäßig zur Ärztin.
He has chronic back pain and has to see the doctor regularly.
ständig
Beim Einkaufen schaut sie ständig auf ihr Handy.
While shopping, she keeps looking at her phone.
In real life
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