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kosmetisch
cosmetic
Relating to beauty care and the improvement of outward appearance.
example
Sie hat einen Termin für eine kosmetische Gesichtsbehandlung.
She has an appointment for a cosmetic facial treatment.
kosmetisch
cosmetic
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'kosmetisch' (cosmetic) is derived from 'die Kosmetik' (cosmetics/beauty care) and describes anything related to beauty care. It is part of a word family with 'das Kosmetikum' (the cosmetic product).
EXAMPLE
Viele Menschen geben Geld für kosmetische Behandlungen aus.
Many people spend money on cosmetic treatments.
Context clue
You can recognize the figurative meaning from the context. If 'kosmetisch' (cosmetic) refers to abstract things like problems or reforms, it means 'oberflächlich' (superficial). If it is about the body or products, the literal meaning is intended.
EXAMPLE
Sie unterzog sich einer kosmetischen Operation.
She underwent cosmetic surgery.
Typical collocations
In the literal meaning, 'kosmetisch' (cosmetic) is often combined with nouns from the fields of personal care and medicine. Common phrases are 'kosmetische Behandlung' (cosmetic treatment), 'kosmetische Chirurgie' (cosmetic surgery), or 'kosmetischer Artikel' (cosmetic item).
EXAMPLE
Im Drogeriemarkt gibt es eine ganze Abteilung für kosmetische Artikel.
At the drugstore there is an entire department for cosmetic items.
Figurative meaning
In the figurative meaning, 'kosmetisch' (cosmetic) describes superficial changes. Typical combinations are 'kosmetische Änderungen' (cosmetic changes), 'kosmetische Reparaturen' (cosmetic repairs), or the statement 'Das ist nur kosmetisch' (That is only cosmetic).
EXAMPLE
Die Firma hat nur kosmetische Änderungen am Design vorgenommen, die Technik ist gleich geblieben.
The company made only cosmetic changes to the design; the technology remained the same.
Compare with
kosmetisch vs medizinisch
medical
'medizinisch' and 'kosmetisch' are often opposites when it comes to procedures or treatments. 'medizinisch' means that there is a health-related reason, for example an illness, pain, or a necessary treatment. 'kosmetisch' means that it is mainly about beauty or outward appearance. The words can be confused because both can involve something being done to the body, for example in an operation. The important point is the purpose: healing or improving health is 'medizinisch'; improving appearance is 'kosmetisch'. In a figurative sense, 'kosmetisch' can also mean that only the surface is improved.
kosmetisch
Vor der Reise lässt sie eine kosmetische Behandlung machen.
Before the trip, she has a cosmetic treatment done.
medizinisch
Die Operation war medizinisch notwendig, weil Moritz starke Schmerzen hatte.
The operation was medically necessary because Moritz was in severe pain.
In real life
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