addicted
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addicted
Being physically or psychologically dependent on a substance (e.g., drugs, alcohol) or a behavior.
Er ist seit Jahren süchtig nach Nikotin und schafft es nicht, mit dem Rauchen aufzuhören.
He has been addicted to nicotine for years and can't manage to quit smoking.
The adjective 'süchtig' (addicted) belongs to the noun 'die Sucht' (addiction). If someone is 'süchtig' (addicted), they are suffering from an addiction. This connection helps you understand the serious basic meaning of the word.
Seine Spielsucht hat die ganze Familie belastet.
His gambling addiction put a strain on the whole family.
'Süchtig' (addicted) is always used with the preposition 'nach' and the dative. The structure is: 'süchtig nach etwas/jemandem sein' (to be addicted to something/someone).
Viele Menschen sind süchtig nach Koffein.
Many people are addicted to caffeine.
In a figurative sense, 'süchtig nach' (addicted to) describes great enthusiasm for something harmless. The context (e.g., a series, chocolate, a hobby) makes it clear that it is not a medical dependency.
Ich bin total süchtig nach diesem neuen Podcast.
I'm totally addicted to this new podcast.
independent
'unabhängig' and 'süchtig' are clear opposites when it comes to dependence. 'süchtig' means that someone is strongly dependent on a substance or behavior and finds it hard to get away from it. Here, 'unabhängig' means that someone is not determined by or dependent on something. 'süchtig nach' can also be used colloquially for a very strong desire. In that case, the contrast is less medical, but the idea remains similar: 'süchtig' shows a strong attachment to something, while 'unabhängig' shows freedom from it.
Mein Nachbar war lange süchtig nach Alkohol und bekommt jetzt Hilfe.
My neighbor was addicted to alcohol for a long time and is now getting help.
Seit einigen Monaten fühlt er sich unabhängiger von seinem Handy.
For several months now, he has felt more independent from his phone.