narcotic
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narcotic
A substance that causes a state of intoxication and affects perception, thinking, and feeling. The term is a formal expression for illegal drugs, often used in legal or police contexts.
Der Handel mit Rauschgift wird mit hohen Strafen geahndet.
Trafficking in narcotics is punished with severe penalties.
The word is made up of 'Rausch' (intoxication) and 'Gift' (poison). So it literally describes a poison that causes a state of intoxication, that is, a strong positive or negative sensation.
Die Polizei fand bei der Kontrolle eine große Menge Rauschgift.
During the check, the police found a large amount of narcotics.
The word component 'Gift' means 'poison' in German, not 'gift' (present). So 'Rauschgift' (narcotic) is a dangerous substance, not a present.
Der Besitz von Rauschgift ist in Deutschland illegal.
Possession of narcotics is illegal in Germany.
'Rauschgift' (narcotic) is a formal and official term. It is mainly used in legal texts, by the police, in court, or in the news.
Er wurde wegen des Schmuggels von Rauschgift verhaftet.
He was arrested for smuggling narcotics.
In official language, you often find fixed combinations such as 'Handel mit Rauschgift' (trafficking in narcotics), 'Rauschgift schmuggeln' (to smuggle narcotics), 'Besitz von Rauschgift' (possession of narcotics), or 'unter dem Einfluss von Rauschgift stehen' (to be under the influence of narcotics).
Der Handel mit Rauschgift über die Grenze hat zugenommen.
Trafficking in narcotics across the border has increased.
drug
'die Droge' and 'das Rauschgift' both mean intoxicating substances that can change perception, thinking, or feeling. 'Droge' is the more common and more general word in everyday speech. 'Rauschgift' sounds more formal and is often used in the news, by the police, or in legal contexts. It emphasizes the intoxication and the illegal character more strongly. In many situations, both words can be understood, but in conversation 'Droge' sounds more natural, while 'Rauschgift' sounds more official.
Das Rauschgift wurde bei einer Kontrolle am Bahnhof gefunden.
The narcotics were found during an inspection at the train station.
Felix sagt, dass Alkohol für viele Menschen keine harmlose Droge ist.
Felix says that alcohol is not a harmless drug for many people.