clinical
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clinical
Relating to a clinic or to the direct examination and treatment of patients.
Die Wirksamkeit des neuen Medikaments wird in einer klinischen Studie überprüft.
The effectiveness of the new medication is being tested in a clinical study.
The adjective 'klinisch' (clinical) is derived directly from the noun 'die Klinik' (a type of hospital). It describes things that have to do with a clinic or the work done there.
Für die neue Behandlungsmethode fehlen noch klinische Daten.
Clinical data is still lacking for the new treatment method.
You can tell which meaning is intended from the noun. If it refers to medicine, e.g. 'Studie' (study) or 'Test' (test), the literal meaning is intended. If it describes an atmosphere or quality, e.g. 'Sauberkeit' (cleanliness) or 'Distanz' (distance), the figurative meaning is intended.
Die klinische Erprobung des Impfstoffs war erfolgreich.
The clinical trial of the vaccine was successful.
In its medical meaning, 'klinisch' (clinical) is often used in fixed combinations such as 'klinische Studie' (clinical study), 'klinische Untersuchung' (clinical examination), or 'klinisches Bild' (clinical picture).
Das klinische Bild des Patienten hat sich über Nacht verschlechtert.
The patient's clinical picture worsened overnight.
In the figurative meaning, 'klinisch' (clinical) describes a sterile or emotionless atmosphere. Common combinations are 'klinische Sauberkeit' (clinical cleanliness), 'klinische Präzision' (clinical precision), or 'klinische Distanz' (clinical distance).
Die Wohnung war so aufgeräumt, dass sie fast klinisch wirkte.
The apartment was so tidy that it seemed almost clinical.
clean
'sauber' and 'klinisch' can both describe something as looking very pure. 'sauber' is the normal word when there is no dirt. 'klinisch' sounds much more specific: it brings to mind a clinic, sterility, or a very matter-of-fact, cool atmosphere. A room can be clean and pleasant; if it feels 'klinisch', it can also feel somewhat cold or impersonal. For normal cleaning, 'sauber' fits better; for a very sterile impression, 'klinisch' fits better.
Das neue Büro wirkt sehr klinisch, weil alles weiß und leer ist.
The new office feels very clinical because everything is white and empty.
Am Bahnhof hat sie die Hände mit Wasser und Seife sauber gemacht.
At the train station, she cleaned her hands with water and soap.