German word

chronisch

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈkʁoːnɪʃ/

Meaning

  • adjectivechronic

Example

Sie leidet an chronischer Migräne.

She suffers from chronic migraine.

Illustration for chronisch (chronic)

More examples

Wegen chronischer Knappheit fehlen oft Materialien im Lager.

Because of chronic shortage, materials are often missing from the warehouse.

Core concept

A small, persistent problem remains in the background for months or years instead of appearing as a brief episode.

Common phrases

  • chronische Knappheit

    chronic shortage

  • chronische Überlastung

    chronic overload

  • chronische Probleme

    chronic problems

Similar words

akut: Appearing suddenly, becoming severe, and lasting only a short time.
dauerhaft: Continuing steadily with little change over a long period.
wiederkehrend: Returning repeatedly as the same symptom or event.
vorübergehend: Lasting briefly before the usual condition returns.

Definition in German

Auf lang andauernde Zustände oder Krankheiten bezogen; beschreibt das Bestehen über Monate oder Jahre.

Word origin

German "chronisch" comes through Latin "chronicus" from Greek "khronos", meaning time.

Usage tips

  • In "an chronischer Migräne leiden", "an" takes the dative, shown by the feminine ending "-er" on "chronischer".

Other meanings

  • habitualadjective

Opposites

  • akutacuteadjective
  • temporärtemporaryadjective

Related words

  • Chronifizierungchronificationnoun
  • Chronikerchronic patientnoun

Word lists with this word