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.
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' and 'symptomatisch' can both mean that something clearly represents a condition or development. 'typisch' is general and can be positive, neutral, or negative. 'symptomatisch für' (symptomatic of) sounds more precise and often more critical: a single event reveals a larger problem or a negative state. In everyday language, people usually say 'typisch'. 'symptomatisch' fits better in reports, discussions, or analyses when you want to show that something is a sign of a larger problem.
Die vielen Überstunden sind symptomatisch für die schlechte Planung im Team.
The many hours of overtime are symptomatic of the poor planning in the team.
Die bunten Schilder sind typisch für diesen kleinen Supermarkt.
The colorful signs are typical of this small supermarket.