poisoning
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poisoning
The condition in which the body is harmed by taking in a harmful substance (poison). This can happen through eating, drinking, inhaling, or skin contact.
Nach dem Verzehr der Pilze wurde er mit einer schweren Vergiftung ins Krankenhaus eingeliefert.
After eating the mushrooms, he was admitted to the hospital with severe poisoning.
The word 'Vergiftung' (poisoning) is derived from 'das Gift', which means 'poison' in German. It is a classic false friend with the English word 'gift' (Geschenk). A 'Vergiftung' is therefore always something negative.
Vorsicht, diese Beeren sind giftig und können eine Vergiftung verursachen.
Careful, these berries are poisonous and can cause poisoning.
The word consists of the noun 'Gift' (poison), the prefix 'ver-', and the ending '-ung'. The prefix 'ver-' indicates a negative change here, and '-ung' turns the verb 'vergiften' (to poison) into a noun that describes the process or result.
Die Vergiftung des Wassers hatte schlimme Folgen für die Umwelt.
The poisoning of the water had serious consequences for the environment.
In medical contexts, there are fixed compounds such as 'Lebensmittelvergiftung' (food poisoning), 'Blutvergiftung' (blood poisoning), or 'Alkoholvergiftung' (alcohol poisoning). You can also say 'sich eine Vergiftung zuziehen' (to contract/suffer poisoning).
Nach dem Restaurantbesuch hatten mehrere Gäste eine Lebensmittelvergiftung.
After the restaurant visit, several guests had food poisoning.
To indicate the cause of a medical poisoning, German usually uses the prepositions 'durch' (+ accusative) or 'mit' (+ dative).
Die Vergiftung durch die Pilze war sehr gefährlich.
The poisoning from the mushrooms was very dangerous.
When 'Vergiftung' (poisoning) is used with abstract nouns like 'Atmosphäre' (atmosphere), 'Klima' (climate), or 'Beziehungen' (relationships), the figurative meaning is intended. It is then about a harmful, destructive influence.
Die ständigen Streitereien führten zu einer Vergiftung der familiären Atmosphäre.
The constant arguments led to a poisoning of the family atmosphere.
poison
'Gift' and 'Vergiftung' are closely related, but they do not mean the same thing. 'Gift' is the harmful substance itself. 'Vergiftung' is the condition or effect in the body after someone has taken in poison. In a figurative sense, too, 'Gift' is more like something harmful that has an effect, while 'Vergiftung' describes the harmful change in a mood or relationship. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with harm. Remember: 'Gift' is the cause; 'Vergiftung' is the result.
Nach dem Essen bekam der Gast starke Schmerzen und der Arzt vermutete eine Vergiftung.
After the meal, the guest developed severe pain, and the doctor suspected poisoning.
Das Gift in der Pflanze kann für kleine Kinder gefährlich sein.
The poison in the plant can be dangerous for small children.