01
genesen
to recover
To become healthy again after an illness or injury.
example
Nach einer schweren Lungenentzündung ist sie nun endlich wieder vollständig genesen.
After a severe case of pneumonia, she has finally fully recovered.
genesen
to recover
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Meanings
Usage tips
Auxiliary verb 'sein'
The verb 'genesen' (to recover) describes a change of state from sick to healthy. Therefore, the perfect tense is always formed with the auxiliary verb 'sein' (to be), not with 'haben' (to have).
EXAMPLE
Ich bin nach der Grippe schnell wieder genesen.
I recovered quickly after the flu.
Past participle
The past participle of 'genesen' (to recover) is irregular and is also 'genesen'. So no 'ge-' prefix is added.
EXAMPLE
Der Patient ist vollständig genesen und darf morgen nach Hause.
The patient has fully recovered and may go home tomorrow.
Preposition 'von'
To name the illness or injury that someone has recovered from, the preposition 'von' (from) is used with the dative.
EXAMPLE
Er ist von einer schweren Operation genesen.
He has recovered from a serious operation.
Elevated style
'Genesen' (to recover) is a word used in an elevated style. It is often found in written reports, in literature, or in more formal conversations.
EXAMPLE
Wir wünschen Ihnen, dass Sie bald wieder vollständig genesen.
We wish you a full recovery soon.
Compare with
genesen vs heil
intact / safe / healed
'heil' and 'genesen' can both have to do with getting healthy again after an illness or injury. 'heil' is an adjective and describes the state: the wound or the person is healthy again. 'genesen' is a verb and describes the process: someone recovers after an illness. 'genesen' sounds rather formal and often appears in reports, conversations with doctors, or good wishes. In everyday language, people more often say 'wieder gesund werden' (to get well again) or 'die Wunde ist heil' (the wound has healed).
genesen
Nach der Operation muss sie noch einige Wochen genesen.
After the operation, she still needs to recover for a few weeks.
heil
Die Wunde ist nach zwei Wochen fast wieder heil.
After two weeks, the wound is almost healed again.
In real life
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