trauma
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trauma
A severe emotional shock caused by a distressing experience such as violence, an accident, or loss, which can have long-term psychological consequences.
Viele Soldaten leiden nach ihrem Einsatz an einem schweren Trauma.
Many soldiers suffer from severe trauma after their deployment.
The word has two main meanings: one psychological and one physical. The context makes clear what is meant: in conversations about psychology, war, or accidents, it refers to the emotional injury. In a hospital or medical context, it refers to the physical wound.
Die Therapie hilft ihm, sein Trauma zu verarbeiten.
The therapy helps him process his trauma.
For the psychological meaning, there are fixed verb combinations. You can 'erleiden' (suffer), 'erleben' (experience), 'verarbeiten' (process), or 'überwinden' (overcome) a trauma.
Es dauert oft Jahre, ein schweres Trauma zu überwinden.
It often takes years to overcome severe trauma.
The meaning 'physical injury' is mainly common in medical terminology. There, 'Trauma' is often part of compound words that describe the type of injury more precisely.
Ein Sturz aus großer Höhe kann zu einem Wirbelsäulentrauma führen.
A fall from a great height can lead to spinal trauma.
injury / violation
'Verletzung' and 'Trauma' can both be relevant after an accident or after violence. In everyday language, 'Verletzung' is usually physical damage, for example a wound or bruise. It can also mean hurt feelings. 'Trauma' is stronger and more specific: it usually refers to a deep emotional shock that can have long-lasting effects. In medicine, 'Trauma' can also mean a physical injury caused by an external force. The words can be confused because both have to do with harm. For normal physical injuries, 'Verletzung' is more natural; for serious psychological consequences, people are more likely to say 'Trauma'.
Nach dem schweren Unfall bekam Mehmet Hilfe, weil das Trauma ihn noch lange belastete.
After the serious accident, Mehmet got help because the trauma continued to affect him for a long time.
Nach dem Fahrradunfall musste die Ärztin die Verletzung am Arm reinigen.
After the bicycle accident, the doctor had to clean the injury on his arm.