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.
remedy / solution
In a figurative sense, a solution or measure that eliminates a problem or an undesirable situation.
Bildung wird oft als Heilmittel gegen Armut und soziale Ungleichheit angesehen.
Education is often seen as a remedy for poverty and social inequality.
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.
medication
A medication is a preparation that is taken or used to treat or prevent an illness. A remedy can also be a treatment or method. Use Medikament for the specific pharmaceutical preparation, and Heilmittel when other forms of treatment are meant as well.
Der Arzt empfahl ihr als Heilmittel gegen die Rückenschmerzen regelmäßige Physiotherapie.
The doctor recommended regular physical therapy as a remedy for her back pain.
Der Arzt verschrieb ihr ein Medikament gegen die Schmerzen im Rücken.
The doctor prescribed her a medication for her back pain.
