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mental
Relating to the mind, thinking, or the psyche; psychological or intellectual.
example
Mentale Stärke ist für Sportler genauso wichtig wie körperliche Fitness.
Mental strength is just as important for athletes as physical fitness.
mental
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Meanings
Usage tips
False friend
In German, 'mental' is a neutral word for 'geistig' (mental/intellectual) or 'psychisch' (psychological). It does not have the negative colloquial meaning 'crazy' that the English word 'mental' can sometimes have.
EXAMPLE
Nach der langen Krankheit brauchte er Zeit für seine mentale Erholung.
After the long illness, he needed time for his mental recovery.
Typical collocations
'Mental' is very often used in fixed combinations, especially in the context of health and performance. Typical examples are 'mentale Gesundheit' (mental health), 'mentale Stärke' (mental strength), 'mentale Belastung' (mental strain), and 'mentale Fitness' (mental fitness).
EXAMPLE
Yoga kann helfen, die mentale Gesundheit zu verbessern.
Yoga can help improve mental health.
Register and style
The word 'mental' is often used in psychological, medical, or sports contexts. It often sounds more specific and technical than the more general word 'geistig' (mental/intellectual).
EXAMPLE
Der Coach arbeitet mit den Athleten auch an ihrer mentalen Vorbereitung.
The coach also works with the athletes on their mental preparation.
Compare with
mental vs körperlich
physical
'körperlich' and 'mental' distinguish between body and mind. 'körperlich' fits when it is about the body, movement, strength, or pain. 'mental' means the mind, thinking, or inner strength. The words can be confused especially in sports, exams, or stress, because in those situations you often need both: physical strength and mental strength. As a simple guide: what you feel in your body is 'körperlich'; what has to do with thinking, concentration, or inner attitude is 'mental'.
mental
Vor der Prüfung muss Tom mental ruhig bleiben.
Before the exam, Tom has to stay mentally calm.
körperlich
Wegen des vielen Trainings ist sie körperlich sehr stark.
Because of all the training, she is physically very strong.
In real life
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