homeopathic
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homeopathic
Relating to homeopathy; according to the principles of homeopathy, an alternative medical treatment method.
Er nimmt gegen seine Kopfschmerzen ein homöopathisches Mittel.
He takes a homeopathic remedy for his headaches.
tiny
Colloquially and figuratively: in extremely small, barely noticeable amounts or doses.
Die Gehaltserhöhung war mit 20 Euro so gering, das war ja nur eine homöopathische Dosis.
The pay raise was so small at 20 euros; that was really only a tiny dose.
The adjective 'homöopathisch' (homeopathic) belongs to the word family around 'die Homöopathie' (homeopathy, the doctrine) and 'der Homöopath' (the homeopath, the doctor who practices it).
Meine Ärztin ist auch ausgebildete Homöopathin.
My doctor is also a trained homeopath.
The literal meaning refers to medicine. You can recognize the figurative, colloquial meaning by the fact that it refers to non-medical topics such as money, changes, or quantities.
Er behandelt seine Allergie mit homöopathischen Globuli.
He treats his allergy with homeopathic globules.
In its literal meaning, the adjective is often combined with nouns such as 'Mittel' (remedy), 'Arzneimittel' (medicine), 'Behandlung' (treatment), or 'Globuli' (small pellets).
Gegen ihre Schlafstörungen versucht sie es mit einem homöopathischen Mittel.
For her sleep problems, she is trying a homeopathic remedy.
The figurative use in 'homöopathischen Dosen' (tiny/homeopathic doses) is colloquial and often meant ironically. It expresses criticism that something is happening in far too small amounts.
Die Regierung hat die Steuern nur in homöopathischen Dosen gesenkt.
The government lowered taxes only in tiny doses.
low / slight
Gering and homöopathisch can both describe a small amount. Gering is a neutral statement, while homöopathisch is colloquial and figurative, emphasizing an extremely small, barely noticeable amount. Use gering in factual contexts and homöopathisch when the amount is meant to seem particularly drastically small.
Für die Reparatur gab er nur eine homöopathische Menge Klebstoff dazu.
He added only a tiny amount of glue for the repair.
Für die Reparatur reicht eine geringe Menge Klebstoff.
A small amount of glue is enough for the repair.
