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
kosmetisch
cosmetic
In a figurative sense: concerning only the surface, superficial, and not solving the actual problem.
EXAMPLE
Die Änderungen am Gesetz waren rein kosmetisch und änderten nichts an der Grundproblematik.
The changes to the law were purely cosmetic and did nothing to change the underlying problem.
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 oberflächlich
superficial / shallow
Both words can describe a measure that addresses only the visible side of a problem. „Kosmetisch“ often sounds like a figurative judgment about an apparent solution, while „oberflächlich“ directly evaluates its lack of thoroughness. Choose „kosmetisch“ for the measure and „oberflächlich“ for its lack of depth.
kosmetisch
Die neue Farbe war nur eine kosmetische Maßnahme und löste das eigentliche Problem nicht.
The new paint was merely a cosmetic measure and did not solve the actual problem.
oberflächlich
Die Reparatur war oberflächlich und ließ die eigentliche Ursache des Problems bestehen.
The repair was superficial and left the actual cause of the problem unresolved.
In real life
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