01
gesund
healthy
To be in a state of physical and mental well-being; not to be ill.
example
Nach einer langen Grippe fühle ich mich endlich wieder gesund.
After a long bout of flu, I finally feel healthy again.
gesund
healthy
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'gesund' (healthy) is the basis for the noun 'die Gesundheit' (health). When someone is 'gesund', they are in good health.
EXAMPLE
Eine gute Gesundheit ist das Wichtigste im Leben.
Good health is the most important thing in life.
Context clue
The meaning of 'gesund' (healthy) depends on the noun. If it refers to a person, it means “not ill.” If it refers to things like food or a lifestyle, it means “good for your health.”
EXAMPLE
Mein Opa ist mit 90 Jahren noch sehr gesund.
My grandpa is still very healthy at 90.
Use with verbs
To describe the state of well-being, 'gesund' (healthy) is often used with verbs such as 'sein' (to be), 'werden' (to become), 'bleiben' (to stay), or 'sich fühlen' (to feel).
EXAMPLE
Ich hoffe, du wirst schnell wieder gesund.
I hope you get healthy again quickly.
Typical collocations
When talking about a lifestyle, 'gesund' (healthy) is often used in fixed combinations, such as 'eine gesunde Ernährung' (a healthy diet), 'ein gesunder Lebensstil' (a healthy lifestyle), or the verb 'gesund leben' (to live healthily).
EXAMPLE
Er versucht, gesünder zu leben und mehr Sport zu treiben.
He is trying to live more healthily and do more sports.
Figurative meaning
In the figurative meaning, 'gesund' (sound/healthy) is often combined with abstract nouns. Typical phrases are 'ein gesunder Menschenverstand' (sound common sense), 'ein gesundes Selbstvertrauen' (healthy self-confidence), or 'ein gesundes Maß an etwas' (a healthy measure of something).
EXAMPLE
Ein gesundes Misstrauen gegenüber Online-Angeboten ist ratsam.
A healthy distrust of online offers is advisable.
Compare with
gesund vs gut
good
'gut' and 'gesund' can both describe something positive, especially when talking about people, food, or well-being. 'gut' is more general: you can feel good, like something, or say that something fits. 'gesund' is more specific when it comes to health: a person is not ill, or a food is good for the body. Learners may confuse the words because you can say both 'Mir geht es gut' (I am doing well) and 'Ich bin gesund' (I am healthy). The difference is: 'gut' describes the feeling or evaluation more, while 'gesund' describes the state of health or the benefit for the body.
gesund
Lena hat in der Pause ein gesundes Frühstück gegessen.
Lena ate a healthy breakfast during the break.
gut
Nach dem langen Spaziergang geht es mir richtig gut.
After the long walk, I feel really good.
In real life
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