At the A1 level, 'συστημικός' is a very advanced word that you likely won't need to use yourself. However, you can think of it as a word that means 'about the whole thing.' Imagine a big toy set where all the pieces are connected. If you break one piece and the whole toy stops working, that is a 'systemic' problem. In Greek, we say 'συστημικός' when we want to talk about big things like banks or the whole body in a doctor's office. You don't need to worry about the grammar too much yet, just remember it's a special word for 'the whole system.' It comes from the word 'σύστημα' (system), which you might already know. If you see it in a newspaper, it usually means something very important that affects everyone in the country, like a big bank. It is not a word for small things like a broken cup or a lost sock. It is for big, connected things.
By A2, you are starting to learn more adjectives. 'Συστημικός' is an adjective that describes something belonging to a system. Even if you don't use it in daily conversation, you will see it on the news. It is important to know that it is different from 'συστηματικός' (systematic). 'Συστηματικός' is like having a routine—for example, studying every day. 'Συστημικός' is about how something is built. Think of a computer. If one program is slow, that's just one program. If the whole computer is slow because the parts are old, that's a 'systemic' issue. In Greek, we use this for the economy. You might hear 'συστημική τράπεζα' (systemic bank). This is a bank that is so big that if it has a problem, the whole country has a problem. It's a 'whole-system' word. Masculine: συστημικός, Feminine: συστημική, Neuter: συστημικό.
At the B1 level, you should be able to recognize 'συστημικός' in formal texts and understand its specific meaning. It is an adjective used to describe things that affect an entire system. You will see it most often in financial, medical, or political contexts. For example, 'συστημικός κίνδυνος' (systemic risk) is a key phrase in banking. It means the risk that the whole financial system might fail. In medicine, 'συστημική νόσος' (systemic disease) means a disease that affects the whole body, not just one part. You should start noticing the difference between this and 'συστηματικός' (systematic). A 'systematic' person is organized and follows a plan. A 'systemic' problem is one that is built into the way a system works. When you write, use 'συστημικός' when you want to sound more professional or when discussing complex topics like social issues or health.
At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'συστημικός' correctly in essays or formal discussions. You should understand that it refers to something inherent in a system. For instance, if you are discussing social problems, you might talk about 'συστημική φτώχεια' (systemic poverty), which implies that poverty is caused by the way society is structured, rather than by individual choices. In a business context, 'συστημική ανάλυση' (systemic analysis) means looking at how different departments of a company interact with each other. You should also be comfortable with its declension in all cases. For example, 'Οι συνέπειες του συστημικού κινδύνου' (The consequences of systemic risk). This word is a hallmark of upper-intermediate Greek, showing that you can handle abstract concepts and technical vocabulary. It is frequently used in editorials and academic journals.
As a C1 learner, you should have a nuanced command of 'συστημικός'. You should be able to use it to describe complex interdependencies in various fields. In psychotherapy, you might discuss 'συστημική σκέψη' (systemic thinking), which views individuals as parts of a larger family or social system. In law or politics, you might analyze 'συστημική διαφθορά' (systemic corruption), where the corruption is so deeply embedded in the institutions that it becomes part of the daily operations. You should also be able to distinguish it from 'δομικός' (structural) and 'καθολικός' (universal), choosing the most precise term for your context. Your usage should reflect an understanding that 'συστημικός' implies that the parts of a system are so integrated that an effect on one part inevitably affects all others. You should also be familiar with the term 'συστημικές τράπεζες' as a specific economic category in the Eurozone.
At the C2 level, 'συστημικός' should be a natural part of your academic and professional Greek vocabulary. You should be able to engage in high-level debates about 'συστημική ευστάθεια' (systemic stability) in global markets or 'συστημική βιολογία' (systems biology). You should understand the philosophical implications of the term—how it relates to systems theory (θεωρία συστημάτων) and the idea that the whole is more than the sum of its parts. You can use it metaphorically or in highly specialized ways, such as describing 'συστημικά σφάλματα' (systemic errors) in complex software architectures or 'συστημική μεροληψία' (systemic bias) in artificial intelligence algorithms. Your command of the word should include its use in various registers, from the highly clinical medical report to the sophisticated political critique, always maintaining the correct grammatical agreement and precise conceptual application.

συστημικός 30 सेकंड में

  • Refers to something affecting an entire system or body.
  • Commonly used in finance, medicine, and social sciences.
  • Distinct from 'systematic' (which means methodical or planned).
  • A formal, C1-level adjective with three gender endings.

The Greek adjective συστημικός (systemic) is a sophisticated term primarily used in formal, academic, medical, and financial contexts to describe something that pertains to an entire system rather than just a specific part. Unlike the word 'systematic' (συστηματικός), which refers to a methodical or step-by-step process, 'systemic' implies an inherent quality of the structure itself. When Greeks use this word, they are often discussing issues that are deep-rooted and pervasive. For example, in the aftermath of the financial crisis, the term became a household word in Greece because of its association with 'systemic banks' (συστημικές τράπεζες)—institutions so large and interconnected that their failure would trigger a collapse of the entire national economy. This word carries a weight of gravity; it suggests that a problem cannot be solved by fixing a single component but requires a complete overhaul of the underlying framework.

Financial Context
In economics, a systemic risk (συστημικός κίνδυνος) refers to the possibility that an event at the micro level of an individual bank or insurance company could trigger instability or collapse across the entire industry. This is the 'domino effect' in professional Greek terminology.
Medical Context
In medicine, a systemic disease (συστημική νόσος) is one that affects the whole body rather than a single organ. For instance, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is known in Greek as Συστημικός Ερυθηματώδης Λύκος, highlighting its impact on multiple bodily systems simultaneously.
Sociological Context
Sociologists use the term to describe issues like systemic racism (συστημικός ρατσισμός) or systemic corruption, implying that these are not just isolated incidents of individual behavior but are embedded within the laws, regulations, and culture of a society.

Η κρίση αποκάλυψε τα συστημικά προβλήματα της ευρωζώνης, τα οποία απαιτούν ριζικές αλλαγές.

Translation: The crisis revealed the systemic problems of the eurozone, which require radical changes.

Οι συστημικές τράπεζες της Ελλάδας βρίσκονται υπό συνεχή εποπτεία.

Translation: Greece's systemic banks are under constant supervision.

Ο γιατρός διέγνωσε μια συστημική λοίμωξη που εξαπλώθηκε γρήγορα.

Translation: The doctor diagnosed a systemic infection that spread quickly.

Πρέπει να αντιμετωπίσουμε τον συστημικό αποκλεισμό των ευπαθών ομάδων.

Translation: We must address the systemic exclusion of vulnerable groups.

Η συστημική προσέγγιση στην ψυχοθεραπεία εξετάζει το άτομο μέσα στην οικογένεια.

Translation: The systemic approach in psychotherapy examines the individual within the family.

Using συστημικός correctly requires an understanding of its placement and its technical nuance. In Greek, adjectives typically follow the noun for emphasis or in specific set phrases, but they can also precede it. With 'συστημικός', the position often depends on the field of study. In financial reports, you will almost always see 'συστημικός κίνδυνος' (systemic risk) with the adjective preceding the noun to define the type of risk immediately. In medical discourse, it might appear as 'νόσος συστημική' in very formal clinical descriptions, though 'συστημική νόσος' is much more common in standard professional speech. Because this is a C1-level word, it is rarely used in casual conversation about everyday objects; you wouldn't call a messy room a 'systemic mess' unless you were being ironically academic or suggesting the mess is a result of the house's architecture.

Agreement in Case
If you are talking about 'the systemic risks' (nominative plural masculine), you say 'οι συστημικοί κίνδυνοι'. If you are talking 'about the systemic risk' (genitive singular masculine), you say 'του συστημικού κινδύνου'. Notice how the ending changes to match the noun.
Comparison with Systematic
Do not say 'συστημική μελέτη' if you mean a 'systematic study' (a study done carefully and methodically). Use 'συστηματική μελέτη' for that. Use 'συστημική μελέτη' only if the study is analyzing a system as a whole.
Abstract Application
You can use it to describe failures in logic or organization. 'Η αποτυχία ήταν συστημική' (The failure was systemic) implies that the environment or the rules made failure inevitable, regardless of individual effort.

Αναλύουμε τις συστημικές επιπτώσεις της κλιματικής αλλαγής στην παγκόσμια γεωργία.

Translation: We are analyzing the systemic impacts of climate change on global agriculture.

Ο συστημικός έλεγχος των τραπεζών είναι απαραίτητος για τη σταθερότητα.

Translation: Systemic control of banks is essential for stability.

Η συστημική σκέψη βοηθά στην επίλυση σύνθετων προβλημάτων.

Translation: Systemic thinking helps in solving complex problems.

Υπάρχει ένας συστημικός δεσμός ανάμεσα στην εκπαίδευση και την οικονομική ανάπτυξη.

Translation: There is a systemic link between education and economic growth.

Δεν είναι τυχαίο λάθος, είναι συστημικό σφάλμα του λογισμικού.

Translation: It is not a random error; it is a systemic software bug.

You will encounter συστημικός most frequently in the Greek news, especially during the 'Financial News' (Οικονομικές Ειδήσεις) segment. Since the 2008 global financial crisis and the subsequent Greek debt crisis, the term 'systemic' has entered the public lexicon. Politicians often use it to deflect individual blame, pointing instead to 'systemic weaknesses' (συστημικές αδυναμίες) of the state. In a hospital setting, you might hear a consultant discussing 'systemic treatment' (συστημική θεραπεία), which refers to medication that travels through the bloodstream to affect the whole body, like chemotherapy, as opposed to localized treatment like surgery. In the world of technology and engineering, Greek experts talk about 'systemic integration' (συστημική ολοκλήρωση) when combining various computing modules into a single, cohesive unit. Finally, in the field of psychology, 'Systemic Family Therapy' (Συστημική Οικογενειακή Θεραπεία) is a very popular branch in Greece, focusing on the dynamics of the family as a system rather than the psychology of just one individual member.

News & Media
Journalists often use the phrase 'συστημικά κόμματα' (systemic parties) to refer to long-established political parties that have traditionally held power and are part of the 'system'.
University Lectures
In departments of Sociology, Political Science, or Biology, professors use 'συστημικός' to describe interactions within a complex network where every part influences the other.

Η Ευρωπαϊκή Κεντρική Τράπεζα προσδιορίζει ποιες τράπεζες είναι συστημικές.

Translation: The European Central Bank identifies which banks are systemic.

Ο ασθενής λαμβάνει συστημική αγωγή για την αντιμετώπιση της φλεγμονής.

Translation: The patient is receiving systemic treatment to combat the inflammation.

Η διαφθορά στην κρατική μηχανή είναι ένα συστημικό φαινόμενο.

Translation: Corruption in the state machine is a systemic phenomenon.

The most frequent mistake learners (and even some native speakers) make is confusing συστημικός (systemic) with συστηματικός (systematic). While they share the same root (σύστημα), their meanings are distinct. 'Συστηματικός' describes an action performed according to a plan, regularly, or thoroughly. For example, if you study Greek every day at 9:00 AM, you are making a 'συστηματική προσπάθεια' (systematic effort). If you are describing a flaw in the Greek tax code that affects everyone, that is a 'συστημικό πρόβλημα' (systemic problem). Another mistake is using 'συστημικός' to mean 'organized'. If a person is organized, they are 'οργανωμένος', not 'συστημικός'. Lastly, ensure you don't confuse it with 'συστηματικός' in the context of biology; while 'systemic circulation' is 'συστημική κυκλοφορία', 'systematic biology' (taxonomy) is 'συστηματική βιολογία'.

Confusion with 'Systematic'
Incorrect: 'Κάνει συστημική γυμναστική.' (He does systemic exercise.) Correct: 'Κάνει συστηματική γυμναστική.' (He does systematic/regular exercise.)
Overuse in Casual Speech
Avoid using 'συστημικός' for simple, local problems. If your car won't start because of a dead battery, it's not a 'συστημική βλάβη' unless the entire electrical grid of the car is compromised by design.

If 'συστημικός' feels too technical for your context, there are several alternatives depending on what you want to emphasize. If you mean something that covers everything, καθολικός (universal/total) might be better. If you are talking about the basic structure of something, δομικός (structural) is a very close synonym often used in political and economic analysis. For example, 'δομικές μεταρρυθμίσεις' (structural reforms) and 'συστημικές μεταρρυθμίσεις' are often used interchangeably in Greek news. If you want to describe something as being 'inside' the system, you might use ενδογενής (endogenous/inherent).

Συστημικός vs Δομικός
'Συστημικός' emphasizes the interconnectedness of parts within a whole. 'Δομικός' emphasizes the 'skeleton' or the foundation of the thing itself. Use 'δομικός' when talking about architecture or the fundamental base of a theory.
Συστημικός vs Καθολικός
'Καθολικός' means 'universal' or 'applying to everyone'. Use this for rights or rules. 'Συστημικός' is better for risks, diseases, or complex mechanisms.
Συστημικός vs Γενικευμένος
'Γενικευμένος' (generalized) is often used in medicine or sociology to describe something that has spread, whereas 'συστημικός' describes something that belongs to the system's nature.

स्तर के अनुसार उदाहरण

1

Αυτό είναι ένα συστημικό πρόβλημα.

This is a systemic problem.

Simple subject-verb-adjective structure.

2

Η τράπεζα είναι συστημική.

The bank is systemic.

Feminine agreement: η τράπεζα (f) -> συστημική (f).

3

Είναι συστημικό;

Is it systemic?

Neuter singular used as a general question.

4

Ο κίνδυνος είναι συστημικός.

The risk is systemic.

Masculine agreement: ο κίνδυνος (m) -> συστημικός (m).

5

Δεν είναι συστημικό.

It is not systemic.

Negative particle 'δεν' before the verb.

6

Είναι μια συστημική νόσος.

It is a systemic disease.

Adjective precedes the noun for emphasis.

7

Το σύστημα είναι συστημικό.

The system is systemic (redundant but grammatically correct).

Root word 'σύστημα' used with its adjective.

8

Χρειαζόμαστε συστημική λύση.

We need a systemic solution.

Accusative case: λύση (f) -> συστημική (f).

1

Η κρίση είναι συστημική και μεγάλη.

The crisis is systemic and big.

Two adjectives modifying the same noun.

2

Υπάρχουν τέσσερις συστημικές τράπεζες.

There are four systemic banks.

Plural feminine agreement.

3

Ο γιατρός είπε ότι είναι συστημικό.

The doctor said that it is systemic.

Subordinate clause starting with 'ότι'.

4

Αυτό το λάθος είναι συστημικό.

This mistake is systemic.

Demonstrative pronoun 'αυτό' + neuter noun 'λάθος'.

5

Δεν θέλουμε συστημικό κίνδυνο.

We don't want systemic risk.

Accusative masculine: κίνδυνο (m) -> συστημικό (m).

6

Η προσέγγιση είναι συστημική.

The approach is systemic.

Feminine noun 'προσέγγιση' ending in -η.

7

Είναι ένα συστημικό φαινόμενο.

It is a systemic phenomenon.

Neuter noun 'φαινόμενο'.

8

Μιλάμε για συστημικές αλλαγές.

We are talking about systemic changes.

Preposition 'για' followed by accusative plural.

1

Η συστημική αποτυχία οδήγησε στην καταστροφή.

The systemic failure led to the disaster.

Subject is a noun phrase with an adjective.

2

Πρέπει να κατανοήσουμε τον συστημικό χαρακτήρα του προβλήματος.

We must understand the systemic nature of the problem.

Accusative masculine singular.

3

Η θεραπεία είναι συστημική, όχι τοπική.

The treatment is systemic, not local.

Contrast between two adjectives.

4

Αναζητούμε μια συστημική απάντηση στην κρίση.

We are looking for a systemic answer to the crisis.

Verb 'αναζητώ' takes the accusative.

5

Οι συστημικοί κίνδυνοι πρέπει να ελέγχονται.

Systemic risks must be controlled.

Passive voice verb 'ελέγχονται'.

6

Το πρόβλημα δεν είναι προσωπικό, είναι συστημικό.

The problem is not personal; it is systemic.

Semantic contrast between individual and system.

7

Η συστημική οικογενειακή ψυχοθεραπεία είναι δημοφιλής.

Systemic family psychotherapy is popular.

Multiple adjectives modifying one noun.

8

Βλέπουμε μια συστημική τάση προς την παγκοσμιοποίηση.

We see a systemic trend towards globalization.

Noun 'τάση' (f) modified by 'συστημική'.

1

Η συστημική μεροληψία είναι δύσκολο να εντοπιστεί.

Systemic bias is difficult to detect.

Use of 'είναι' + adverb 'δύσκολο' + infinitive construction.

2

Οι συστημικές τράπεζες υποβάλλονται σε stress tests.

Systemic banks are subjected to stress tests.

Passive verb 'υποβάλλονται' with preposition 'σε'.

3

Απαιτείται μια συστημική αναθεώρηση του εκπαιδευτικού συστήματος.

A systemic revision of the educational system is required.

Passive verb 'απαιτείται' at the beginning of the sentence.

4

Η διαφθορά έχει αποκτήσει συστημικές διαστάσεις.

Corruption has acquired systemic dimensions.

Present perfect tense 'έχει αποκτήσει'.

5

Ο συστημικός ερυθηματώδης λύκος είναι μια αυτοάνοση νόσος.

Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease.

Technical medical terminology.

6

Η συστημική προσέγγιση δίνει έμφαση στις σχέσεις.

The systemic approach emphasizes relationships.

Phrase 'δίνω έμφαση σε' (give emphasis to).

7

Υπάρχει συστημική έλλειψη εμπιστοσύνης στους θεσμούς.

There is a systemic lack of trust in institutions.

Genitive 'εμπιστοσύνης' following 'έλλειψη'.

8

Το λογισμικό παρουσίασε ένα συστημικό σφάλμα.

The software presented a systemic error.

Simple past 'παρουσίασε'.

1

Η συστημική ευστάθεια αποτελεί προτεραιότητα για την κεντρική τράπεζα.

Systemic stability is a priority for the central bank.

Formal verb 'αποτελεί' (constitutes).

2

Πρέπει να αντιμετωπίσουμε τις συστημικές ανισότητες στην υγεία.

We must address systemic inequalities in health.

Infinitive 'να αντιμετωπίσουμε' expressing necessity.

3

Η συστημική θεωρία προσφέρει ένα νέο πλαίσιο ανάλυσης.

Systemic theory offers a new framework of analysis.

Abstract academic noun 'πλαίσιο'.

4

Η αποτυχία ήταν αποτέλεσμα συστημικών δυσλειτουργιών.

The failure was the result of systemic malfunctions.

Genitive plural 'συστημικών δυσλειτουργιών'.

5

Η συστημική ενσωμάτωση των προσφύγων είναι μια πρόκληση.

The systemic integration of refugees is a challenge.

Verbal noun 'ενσωμάτωση' (integration).

6

Η δυναμική του συστήματος είναι συστημική και μη γραμμική.

The dynamics of the system are systemic and non-linear.

Advanced scientific description.

7

Η συστημική κρίση απαιτεί συστημικές λύσεις, όχι ημίμετρα.

The systemic crisis requires systemic solutions, not half-measures.

Rhetorical contrast between 'solutions' and 'half-measures'.

8

Η μελέτη εξετάζει τις συστημικές επιπτώσεις της τεχνητής νοημοσύνης.

The study examines the systemic impacts of artificial intelligence.

Accusative plural 'επιπτώσεις' (impacts).

1

Η συστημική διακυβέρνηση απαιτεί ολιστική θεώρηση των πραγμάτων.

Systemic governance requires a holistic view of things.

Use of high-level noun 'θεώρηση' (view/perspective).

2

Ο συστημικός κίνδυνος μπορεί να προκαλέσει αλυσιδωτές αντιδράσεις.

Systemic risk can cause chain reactions.

Phrase 'αλυσιδωτές αντιδράσεις' (chain reactions).

3

Η συστημική πολυπλοκότητα καθιστά την πρόβλεψη αδύνατη.

Systemic complexity makes prediction impossible.

Verb 'καθιστά' (renders/makes).

4

Η συστημική σκέψη υπερβαίνει τον αναγωγισμό της κλασικής επιστήμης.

Systemic thinking transcends the reductionism of classical science.

Highly academic terminology: 'αναγωγισμός' (reductionism).

5

Η αρχιτεκτονική του συστήματος πάσχει από συστημική αστάθεια.

The architecture of the system suffers from systemic instability.

Verb 'πάσχω από' (suffer from).

6

Η συστημική ανάλυση αποκαλύπτει τις κρυφές αλληλεξαρτήσεις.

Systemic analysis reveals the hidden interdependencies.

Noun 'αλληλεξαρτήσεις' (interdependencies).

7

Η συστημική φύση της οικολογικής κρίσης είναι αδιαμφισβήτητη.

The systemic nature of the ecological crisis is indisputable.

Adjective 'αδιαμφισβήτητη' (indisputable).

8

Εφαρμόζουμε μια συστημική στρατηγική για την κυβερνοασφάλεια.

We are applying a systemic strategy for cybersecurity.

Modern technical context.

सामान्य शब्द संयोजन

συστημικός κίνδυνος
συστημική τράπεζα
συστημική νόσος
συστημικός ρατσισμός
συστημική προσέγγιση
συστημική αποτυχία
συστημικό σφάλμα
συστημική κρίση
συστημική αλλαγή
συστημική σκέψη

सामान्य वाक्यांश

συστημική σημασία

— Having importance for the entire system. Often used for institutions that are 'too big to fail'.

Αυτή η εταιρεία έχει συστημική σημασία για την ενέργεια.

συστημική ευστάθεια

— The stability of a whole system. Usually refers to financial or political systems.

Η συστημική ευστάθεια είναι ο στόχος μας.

συστημική μεροληψία

— Bias that is built into the rules or culture of a system.

Πρέπει να εξαλείψουμε τη συστημική μεροληψία.

συστημική διαφθορά

— Corruption that is part of the normal functioning of an institution.

Η συστημική διαφθορά καταστρέφει την εμπιστοσύνη.

συστημική ολοκλήρωση

— The process of bringing together sub-systems into one large system.

Η συστημική ολοκλήρωση του έργου ολοκληρώθηκε.

συστημική ανάλυση

— Analyzing something by looking at its parts and their relationships.

Κάνουμε μια συστημική ανάλυση της αγοράς.

συστημική παρέμβαση

— An intervention aimed at changing the whole system.

Η συστημική παρέμβαση στην οικογένεια ήταν επιτυχής.

συστημική απειλή

— A threat that could bring down the whole system.

Η κλιματική αλλαγή είναι μια συστημική απειλή.

συστημική δυναμική

— The study of how systems change over time.

Η συστημική δυναμική της οικονομίας είναι περίπλοκη.

συστημική αδυναμία

— A weakness inherent in the system's design.

Η κρίση αποκάλυψε μια συστημική αδυναμία.

मुहावरे और अभिव्यक्तियाँ

"συστημικό παιδί"

— A person who is a product of 'the system' or works closely within it. Often used slightly pejoratively in politics.

Θεωρείται συστημικό παιδί της παράταξης.

informal/political
"χτύπημα στο σύστημα"

— While not using the adjective, it refers to attacking the systemic structure.

Αυτό το σκάνδαλο ήταν ένα χτύπημα στο σύστημα.

journalistic
"μέσα στο σύστημα"

— Being part of the established order.

Πρέπει να δουλέψεις μέσα στο σύστημα για να το αλλάξεις.

neutral
"συστημική λύση για όλα"

— Used ironically to suggest someone wants to change everything instead of fixing one thing.

Πάλι ζ

क्या यह मददगार था?
अभी तक कोई टिप्पणी नहीं। अपने विचार साझा करने वाले पहले व्यक्ति बनें!