symptomatic
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symptomatic
In medicine: relating to a symptom or representing a symptom. Describes the occurrence of signs of illness.
Die Behandlung ist rein symptomatisch, da die Ursache der Krankheit unbekannt ist.
The treatment is purely symptomatic, since the cause of the illness is unknown.
symptomatic of
Figuratively: characteristic or typical of a particular, usually negative condition or development.
Seine Unzuverlässigkeit ist symptomatisch für die Probleme im gesamten Team.
His unreliability is symptomatic of the problems in the entire team.
The adjective 'symptomatisch' (symptomatic) derives directly from the noun 'das Symptom' (symptom/sign of illness). If you know the noun, you can work out the meaning of the adjective more easily.
Fieber ist ein typisches Symptom einer Grippe.
Fever is a typical symptom of the flu.
The word 'symptomatisch' (symptomatic) belongs to elevated written language and technical language, especially in medical or scientific contexts. It is rarely used in everyday conversation.
Der Bericht beschreibt eine Entwicklung, die für die Branche symptomatisch ist.
The report describes a development that is symptomatic of the industry.
In the figurative meaning 'typisch für' (typical of), 'symptomatisch' (symptomatic) is always used with the preposition 'für' and the accusative. The structure is: something is symptomatic of something.
Diese Verzögerung ist symptomatisch für die schlechte Organisation des Projekts.
This delay is symptomatic of the project's poor organization.
In a medical context, the word is often used in the fixed phrase 'symptomatische Behandlung' (symptomatic treatment). This means that only the signs of illness (symptoms), but not the cause, are treated.
Bei einer Erkältung erfolgt meist nur eine symptomatische Behandlung.
With a cold, treatment is usually only symptomatic.
typical
Typisch initially describes a negative development as an expected feature of the situation. Symptomatisch für additionally suggests that it is a revealing sign of an underlying negative condition. Use „typisch“ more neutrally and „symptomatisch für“ when the development is interpreted as an indication of a problem.
Die sinkenden Verkaufszahlen sind symptomatisch für die Krise.
The falling sales figures are symptomatic of the crisis.
Die sinkenden Verkaufszahlen sind typisch für diese schwierige Phase.
The falling sales figures are typical of this difficult phase.
