senil
senile
Relating to old age or caused by aging.
EXAMPLE
Die senilen Veränderungen des Gehirns können das Gedächtnis beeinträchtigen.
Senile changes in the brain can impair memory.
senil
senile
senil – seniler – am senilsten
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Meanings
senil
senile
Significantly weakened mentally or physically by advanced age and no longer able to function effectively. The word is often used disparagingly.
EXAMPLE
Seine senilen Äußerungen ließen erkennen, dass er nicht mehr orientiert war.
His senile remarks made it clear that he was no longer oriented.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry senil, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
Comparison
| basic form | senil |
|---|---|
| comparative | seniler |
| superlative | am senilsten |
After der, die, das
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -e | -e | -e | -en |
| acc. | -en | -e | -e | -en |
| dat. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| gen. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Add the ending to senil.
After ein, eine
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -er | -e | -es | -en |
| acc. | -en | -e | -es | -en |
| dat. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| gen. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Add the ending to senil.
Without article
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -er | -e | -es | -e |
| acc. | -en | -e | -es | -e |
| dat. | -em | -er | -em | -en |
| gen. | -en | -er | -en | -er |
Add the ending to senil.
Usage tips
Context clue
In medical contexts, „senil“ (senile) usually describes age-related changes. When it refers to a person, remark, or behavior, however, it often sounds disparaging and questions the person's mental abilities.
EXAMPLE
Die Untersuchung zeigte senile Veränderungen im Gehirn.
The examination revealed senile changes in the brain.
Seine senilen Bemerkungen verletzten die anderen Gesprächsteilnehmer.
His senile remarks offended the other people taking part in the conversation.
Typical collocations
In technical contexts, „senil“ (senile) often appears with words such as „Veränderungen“ (changes), „Demenz“ (dementia), or „Abbau“ (decline). These combinations refer to consequences or manifestations of advanced age.
EXAMPLE
Die Ärztin erklärte, dass senile Veränderungen nicht automatisch zu einem starken Gedächtnisverlust führen.
The doctor explained that senile changes do not automatically lead to severe memory loss.
Disparaging use
When „senil“ (senile) directly characterizes a person or their remarks, the word can be insulting. It is especially problematic when it is used to make a blanket judgment about an older person's mental abilities.
EXAMPLE
Die Bemerkung, der alte Nachbar sei senil, empfand die Familie als beleidigend.
The family found the remark that the old neighbor was senile insulting.
In real life
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