remedy / cure
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cure / remedy
A substance, treatment, or method used to cure a disease or relieve its symptoms.
Die Wissenschaft forscht intensiv an einem Heilmittel gegen Alzheimer.
Scientists are doing intensive research on a cure for Alzheimer's.
The word is made up of 'Heil' (from 'heilen' — to heal) and 'Mittel' (means/remedy). So it literally describes a 'Mittel zum Heilen' (means of healing).
Gegen fast jede Krankheit gibt es ein Heilmittel.
There is a remedy for almost every disease.
'Heilmittel' is almost always used with the preposition 'gegen' and the accusative to name what it works against.
Forscher suchen ein wirksames Heilmittel gegen Krebs.
Researchers are looking for an effective cure for cancer.
In a medical context, people often talk about 'finding' a cure, 'developing' a cure, or 'researching' one.
Es wird noch Jahre dauern, ein Heilmittel für diese seltene Krankheit zu entwickeln.
It will still take years to develop a cure for this rare disease.
You can recognize the figurative meaning by the fact that it refers to an abstract problem. If the topic is social or economic issues, the figurative meaning is usually intended.
Manche glauben, Technologie sei das Heilmittel für alle gesellschaftlichen Probleme.
Some believe technology is the remedy for all social problems.
solution
'die Lösung' and 'das Heilmittel' can both mean something that eliminates a problem. 'die Lösung' is very general and fits almost all problems, for example at work, in planning, or in an argument. 'das Heilmittel' actually comes from the field of health: it helps against an illness or symptoms. In a figurative sense, it can also mean a measure against a problem, but then it sounds more metaphorical. Learners may confuse the words because both are meant to improve something. 'Lösung' is neutral and general; 'Heilmittel' fits when talking about illness or when used as a strong image.
Die Ärztin empfiehlt ein mildes Heilmittel gegen den starken Husten.
The doctor recommends a mild remedy for the severe cough.
Die Lösung wird einfacher, wenn wir die Reise gemeinsam neu planen.
The solution becomes simpler if we replan the trip together.