01
ungesund
unhealthy
Harmful to health or well-being. Often refers to lifestyle, diet, or habits.
example
Täglich Fast Food zu essen ist sehr ungesund.
Eating fast food every day is very unhealthy.
ungesund
unhealthy
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The word is composed of the prefix 'un-' and the adjective 'gesund' (healthy). The prefix 'un-' is a very common way to express the opposite of an adjective.
EXAMPLE
Eine ungesunde Lebensweise kann zu vielen Krankheiten führen.
An unhealthy lifestyle can lead to many illnesses.
Use with 'für'
'Ungesund' (unhealthy) is often used with the preposition 'für' (for) and the accusative to specify for whom or what something is harmful.
EXAMPLE
Zu viel Bildschirmzeit ist ungesund für die Augen.
Too much screen time is unhealthy for the eyes.
Typical collocations
In the context of health, 'ungesund' (unhealthy) is often combined with certain nouns. Typical examples are 'eine ungesunde Ernährung' (an unhealthy diet), 'ein ungesunder Lebensstil' (an unhealthy lifestyle), or 'ungesunde Gewohnheiten' (unhealthy habits).
EXAMPLE
Er versucht, seine ungesunden Gewohnheiten zu ändern und mehr Sport zu treiben.
He is trying to change his unhealthy habits and do more exercise.
Figurative meaning
In the figurative sense, 'ungesund' (unhealthy) describes harmful psychological or social states. Common combinations are 'eine ungesunde Beziehung' (an unhealthy relationship), 'ein ungesunder Ehrgeiz' (unhealthy ambition), or 'ein ungesundes Misstrauen' (unhealthy distrust).
EXAMPLE
Ihre Eifersucht hat ein ungesundes Ausmaß erreicht.
Her jealousy has reached an unhealthy level.
Compare with
ungesund vs gesund
healthy
'gesund' and 'ungesund' are direct opposites when it comes to their effect on the body or well-being. 'gesund' describes something that is good for the body or supports well-being. 'ungesund' describes something that tends to harm health or is not good in the long run. Both words are often used for diet, sleep, exercise, or habits. Important: 'ungesund' does not simply mean 'sick', but rather 'not good for your health'.
ungesund
Jeden Abend sehr spät zu essen ist auf Dauer ungesund.
Eating very late every evening is unhealthy in the long run.
gesund
Zum Frühstück isst Lena oft Obst, weil es gesund ist.
Lena often eats fruit for breakfast because it is healthy.
In real life
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