ulcer
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ulcer
A pathological, often inflamed tissue change on the skin or a mucous membrane that does not want to heal. In medicine, the term is used for an ulcer.
Wegen des Stresses entwickelte er ein Magengeschwür.
Because of the stress, he developed a stomach ulcer.
The noun 'Geschwür' (ulcer) is related to the old verb 'schwären' (to fester or become inflamed). So a 'Geschwür' is literally something that is inflamed and does not heal.
Die Wunde begann zu schwären und wurde zu einem Geschwür.
The wound began to fester and turned into an ulcer.
You can recognize the medical meaning from the context of body parts ('Magen' (stomach), 'Haut' (skin)) and medicine. You can recognize the figurative meaning from the context of society, politics, or abstract problems ('Korruption' (corruption), 'Hass' (hatred)).
Der Arzt diagnostizierte ein Geschwür im Zwölffingerdarm.
The doctor diagnosed an ulcer in the duodenum.
In a medical context, typical combinations are 'ein Magengeschwür haben' (to have a stomach ulcer), 'ein Geschwür behandeln' (to treat an ulcer), or 'ein Geschwür entfernen' (to remove an ulcer).
Das Geschwür musste operativ entfernt werden.
The ulcer had to be surgically removed.
The figurative use of 'Geschwür' (ulcer) is very strong and negative. It is used to describe deep-rooted, harmful, and difficult-to-solve problems that weaken an organization or society from within.
Der Redner bezeichnete den Extremismus als ein Geschwür, das die Gesellschaft zersetzt.
The speaker described extremism as an ulcer that eats away at society.
problem
'das Problem' and 'das Geschwür' can both figuratively mean a serious difficulty. 'Problem' is neutral and very general. It can be small or large and fits many everyday situations. 'Geschwür' is a strong image in this meaning. It describes a deep-seated problem or abuse that has existed for a long time and causes harm, often in a group or in society. For ordinary difficulties, 'Geschwür' is not appropriate and sounds too dramatic. You only use it when you want to show that something is serious and harmful.
Der ständige Hass im Netz ist zu einem Geschwür der Gesellschaft geworden.
The constant hate online has become an ulcer in society.
Am Morgen gibt es ein Problem mit der Technik für die Veranstaltung.
In the morning, there is a problem with the technology for the event.