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drastisch
drastic
Very strong, far-reaching, or radical. Often used to describe measures, changes, or effects.
example
Die Regierung hat drastische Sparmaßnahmen angekündigt.
The government has announced drastic austerity measures.
drastisch
drastic
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Typical collocations
In the sense of 'radikal' (radical) or 'einschneidend' (far-reaching), 'drastisch' (drastic) often describes nouns that express a change. Common combinations are 'drastische Maßnahmen' (drastic measures), 'drastische Kürzungen' (drastic cuts), or 'eine drastische Veränderung' (a drastic change).
EXAMPLE
Das Unternehmen musste drastische Sparmaßnahmen ergreifen.
The company had to take drastic cost-saving measures.
Use as an adverb
'Drastisch' (drastically) can also be used as an adverb to describe the extent of a change. It then appears with verbs such as 'steigen' (to rise), 'sinken' (to fall), 'reduzieren' (to reduce), or 'erhöhen' (to increase).
EXAMPLE
Die Zahl der Arbeitslosen ist im letzten Quartal drastisch gesunken.
The number of unemployed people fell drastically in the last quarter.
Depiction context
When 'drastisch' describes a depiction, typical combinations are 'drastische Bilder' (graphic images), 'drastische Worte' (drastic words), or 'eine drastische Beschreibung' (a graphic description). It then means 'schonungslos' (unsparing) or 'sehr direkt' (very direct).
EXAMPLE
Der Autor wählt oft drastische Worte, um seine Leser zu schockieren.
The author often chooses drastic words to shock his readers.
Compare with
drastisch vs extrem
extreme
'extrem' and 'drastisch' both describe something very strong. 'extrem' is broader and can intensify many things: weather, prices, feelings, or difficulties. 'drastisch' is used especially for major changes, measures, or consequences. It often sounds as if something intervenes strongly or has a major effect. You can say 'extrem kalt' (extremely cold), but with 'drastisch', phrases like 'drastische Kürzungen' (drastic cuts) or 'drastische Folgen' (drastic consequences) fit better.
drastisch
Nach der neuen Regel sind die Kosten drastisch gestiegen.
After the new rule, the costs rose drastically.
extrem
Im Bus war es gestern extrem warm.
It was extremely warm on the bus yesterday.
In real life
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