risk factor
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risk factor
A circumstance, characteristic, or behavior that increases the probability of a negative event, such as an illness or a financial loss.
Rauchen ist ein bekannter Risikofaktor für Lungenkrebs.
Smoking is a known risk factor for lung cancer.
The word is made up of 'Risiko' (risk) and 'Faktor' (factor). So it literally describes a factor that represents or increases a risk.
Ein hoher Cholesterinspiegel ist ein bekannter Risikofaktor.
A high cholesterol level is a known risk factor.
To express what something poses a risk for, the preposition 'für' (for) is used with the accusative. A 'Risikofaktor' (risk factor) is always a risk factor 'für' (for) something.
Bewegungsmangel ist ein Risikofaktor für Herz-Kreislauf-Erkrankungen.
Lack of exercise is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.
'Risikofaktor' (risk factor) is often combined with certain adjectives to describe its strength or importance. Common combinations are 'ein großer/hoher Risikofaktor' (a major/high risk factor), 'ein wesentlicher Risikofaktor' (a significant risk factor), or 'ein zusätzlicher Risikofaktor' (an additional risk factor).
Stress am Arbeitsplatz ist ein wesentlicher Risikofaktor für psychische Probleme.
Stress at work is a significant risk factor for mental health problems.
danger
'die Gefahr' and 'der Risikofaktor' are related, but they are not the same thing. 'die Gefahr' is the threatening situation itself or the possibility of harm. 'der Risikofaktor' is an individual circumstance that makes a danger more likely. In medicine, for example, smoking can be a risk factor for a disease; the disease or harm is then the danger. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with risk. Remember: the Risikofaktor increases the Gefahr; it is not automatically the whole danger.
Zu wenig Bewegung ist ein Risikofaktor für viele Gesundheitsprobleme.
Too little exercise is a risk factor for many health problems.
Bei Glatteis ist die Gefahr eines Unfalls besonders groß.
When there is black ice, the danger of an accident is especially high.