01
die Dosis
dose
A specific, measured amount of a substance, especially a medication, that is taken or administered at one time.
example
Der Arzt hat die Dosis des Schmerzmittels erhöht.
The doctor increased the dose of the painkiller.
die Dosis
dose
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Fixed expression
A very well-known German proverb is: 'Die Dosis macht das Gift' (the dose makes the poison). It means that a substance is only harmful when a certain amount is exceeded, and it is often also used figuratively.
EXAMPLE
Ein Glas Wein am Abend ist in Ordnung, aber denk daran: Die Dosis macht das Gift.
A glass of wine in the evening is fine, but remember: the dose makes the poison.
Typical collocations
In a medical context, 'Dosis' is often combined with verbs such as 'einnehmen' (to take), 'verabreichen' (to administer), 'erhöhen' (to increase), or 'verringern' (to reduce). Typical adjectives are 'hoch' (high), 'niedrig' (low), or 'täglich' (daily).
EXAMPLE
Der Patient muss dreimal täglich eine Dosis dieses Medikaments einnehmen.
The patient has to take one dose of this medication three times a day.
Figurative use
In a figurative sense, 'Dosis' is often combined with abstract nouns to express a certain degree of something. For example, people speak of a 'gesunde Dosis Misstrauen' (healthy dose of mistrust) or a 'tägliche Dosis Humor' (daily dose of humor).
EXAMPLE
Eine gewisse Dosis an Kritik ist wichtig, um sich zu verbessern.
A certain dose of criticism is important in order to improve.
Technical context
The meaning related to radiation is technical and is used mainly in physics, medicine, or radiation protection. It often appears in compounds such as 'Strahlendosis' (radiation dose).
EXAMPLE
Die Techniker maßen die Dosis der kosmischen Strahlung.
The technicians measured the dose of cosmic radiation.
Compare with
Dosis vs Menge
amount / crowd
'die Menge' and 'die Dosis' both talk about how much of something is meant. 'die Menge' is the general word for a quantity. 'die Dosis' is a precisely measured amount, especially with medication or substances that can have an effect. You can also use 'Dosis' figuratively, for example for a small dose of humor or calm. Learners may confuse the words because both describe an amount. The important point is: with medicine, an effect, or a deliberately measured portion, 'Dosis' is more precise; otherwise, 'Menge' usually fits.
Dosis
Die Ärztin sagt, dass er die Dosis nicht selbst ändern darf.
The doctor says that he must not change the dose himself.
Menge
Nach dem Essen blieb noch eine große Menge Reis im Topf.
After the meal, a large amount of rice was still left in the pot.
In real life
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