drug
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drug
A substance that changes perception, mood, or consciousness and can often lead to addiction. Usually refers to illegal or intoxicating substances.
Der Konsum harter Drogen kann schwere gesundheitliche Folgen haben.
The use of hard drugs can have serious health consequences.
In everyday language, 'Droge' (drug) almost always means an intoxicating, often illegal substance. The meaning 'Rohstoff für Arzneimittel' (raw material for medicines) is technical language and is used only in pharmaceutical or botanical contexts.
Die Polizei hat einen großen Drogenfund gemacht.
The police made a major drug seizure.
The word 'Droge' (drug) is the core of many compound nouns that relate to the topics of addiction and crime. Examples include 'der Drogenhandel' (drug trade), 'die Drogensucht' (drug addiction), or 'die Drogenkriminalität' (drug-related crime).
Der Kampf gegen den Drogenhandel ist eine große Herausforderung für die Gesellschaft.
The fight against the drug trade is a major challenge for society.
In connection with intoxicating substances, 'Droge' (drug) is often combined with certain verbs and adjectives. Typical phrases are 'Drogen nehmen' (to take drugs), 'von Drogen abhängig sein' (to be addicted to drugs), or the distinction between 'harten' (hard) and 'weichen' (soft) drugs.
Er hat früh angefangen, Drogen zu nehmen, und wurde schnell abhängig.
He started taking drugs early and quickly became addicted.
fabric / material
'die Droge' and 'der Stoff' can both mean illegal or intoxicating substances. 'Droge' is the normal and clear word for this. In this meaning, 'Stoff' is colloquial and often sounds less precise or like language from a particular social milieu. The words can be confused because 'Stoff' can also mean a substance. But 'Stoff' has many other meanings, for example material for clothing or learning content. If you are speaking clearly about drugs, 'Droge' is usually more precise.
Die Polizei warnt Jugendliche vor dieser gefährlichen Droge.
The police warn young people about this dangerous drug.
Er sagte nur, dass der Stoff sehr teuer sei, und wollte nicht mehr darüber sprechen.
He only said that the stuff was very expensive and did not want to talk about it anymore.