At the A1 level, the word 'gesundheitlich' might seem a bit long and complicated. However, it is very useful to know because it helps you talk about why you might be missing a class or a meeting. At this stage, you should focus on the most common phrase: 'aus gesundheitlichen Gründen' (for health reasons). You don't need to know all the complex grammar yet. Just remember that 'gesund' means 'healthy' like 'Ich bin gesund' (I am healthy), and 'gesundheitlich' is used when you want to say 'about health.' For example, if someone asks how you are, and you want to say you are doing well in terms of your body and health, you can say 'Gesundheitlich geht es mir gut.' This sounds very polite. You will mostly see this word in simple forms in textbooks when talking about visiting the doctor or explaining an absence. It is a good word to recognize so you don't confuse it with 'Gesundheit' (which is what you say when someone sneezes). Think of it as a way to group things into a 'health category.' If you have a problem with your health, it is a 'gesundheitliches Problem.' Simple as that! Don't worry about the long ending for now; just try to see the word 'gesund' inside it and you will understand the basic meaning. As you progress, you will see how it changes slightly depending on the words around it, but for now, just focus on the 'health-wise' meaning.
By the A2 level, you are starting to build more complex sentences and use adjectives more frequently. 'Gesundheitlich' becomes an important tool for being more specific in your descriptions. You will learn that this word is an adjective that comes from the noun 'Gesundheit.' You might start using it to describe different types of risks or benefits. For instance, you could say 'Sport hat viele gesundheitliche Vorteile' (Sport has many health benefits). Here, 'gesundheitliche' describes the 'Vorteile' (benefits). You are also learning how to use it as an adverb. In German, adverbs don't change their ending. So, 'Mir geht es gesundheitlich gut' is a perfect sentence for an A2 learner. It shows that you can distinguish between being a healthy person ('Ich bin gesund') and how you are doing specifically in the area of health. You might also encounter this word in simple news stories or health tips. For example, 'Trinken Sie viel Wasser aus gesundheitlichen Gründen.' You are moving beyond simple 'yes/no' answers about your health and starting to categorize your reasons. Practice using it with the verb 'gehen' (to go/to fare) to talk about your well-being. It is a very common way to sound more like a native speaker when discussing your life. Also, start noticing that it is often used in formal contexts, like writing a short note to a teacher to explain why you were absent.
At the B1 level, you are expected to handle more professional and formal situations, and 'gesundheitlich' is a key vocabulary item for this. You should be comfortable using it in both its attributive form (with endings) and its adverbial form. One of the most important uses at this level is 'aus gesundheitlichen Gründen.' This is the standard way to explain an absence in a work or school environment without giving too much personal information. You should also be able to understand more detailed texts about health, where 'gesundheitlich' is used to describe things like 'gesundheitliche Vorsorge' (health care/prevention) or 'gesundheitliche Aufklärung' (health education). You are also starting to see how it contrasts with other words like 'medizinisch' or 'körperlich.' While 'medizinisch' relates to doctors and treatments, 'gesundheitlich' is the broader term for the state of health itself. At B1, you should be able to write a short paragraph about the benefits of a certain lifestyle, using 'gesundheitlich' to qualify your points. For example: 'Eine ausgewogene Ernährung ist aus gesundheitlichen Aspekten sehr wichtig.' You should also be aware of the adjective declension: 'der gesundheitliche Zustand' (nominative), 'eines gesundheitlichen Problems' (genitive). This word is a great example of how German uses suffixes to create precise categories, and mastering it will significantly improve your formal writing and speaking abilities.
At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of 'gesundheitlich' and be able to use it in complex arguments and formal discussions. You will encounter it frequently in academic texts, news reports, and professional documents. You should be able to discuss the 'gesundheitlichen Auswirkungen' (health impacts) of various social or environmental factors, such as climate change or urbanization. At this level, the distinction between 'gesundheitlich,' 'physisch,' and 'psychisch' becomes very important. You might use 'gesundheitlich' as a holistic term that covers both the mind and the body, or you might use it to set a specific context in a debate: 'Gesundheitlich gesehen ist diese Entscheidung fragwürdig, aber wirtschaftlich ist sie notwendig.' This shows a high level of linguistic control, as you are using the word to structure your argument. You should also be familiar with more specialized collocations like 'gesundheitliche Beeinträchtigung' (health impairment) or 'gesundheitliche Gefährdung' (health hazard). In writing, you should be using 'gesundheitlich' to maintain a professional tone, especially in reports or formal letters. You are also expected to recognize the word in fast-paced listening exercises, such as radio interviews where experts discuss public health policy. Your ability to use the word accurately in different cases and positions will be a clear indicator of your B2 proficiency.
At the C1 level, your use of 'gesundheitlich' should be completely natural and precise. You should be able to use it to express subtle distinctions in meaning. For example, you might use it to discuss the 'gesundheitliche Infrastruktur' (health infrastructure) of a country or the 'gesundheitliche Chancengleichheit' (health equity) in a society. You are expected to understand and use the word in legal and administrative contexts, such as in insurance contracts or labor law discussions. You might analyze how 'gesundheitliche Gründe' are defined in a legal sense when it comes to early retirement or disability benefits. Your vocabulary should also include related academic terms, and you should be able to explain the semantic development of the word. In complex discussions, you can use 'gesundheitlich' to elegantly frame your points: 'In gesundheitlicher Hinsicht...' or 'Was die gesundheitliche Komponente betrifft...' This level of sophistication allows you to participate in high-level debates about health policy, ethics, and social welfare. You should also be sensitive to the register; while 'gesundheitlich' is common, you might choose 'sanitär' or 'hygienisch' in specific technical contexts, and you should know exactly why. Your writing should reflect a mastery of adjective endings, even in the most complex genitive or dative constructions, and you should be able to use the word to create cohesive and well-structured professional texts.
At the C2 level, you have a near-native command of 'gesundheitlich' and can use it with absolute precision in any context, from high-level academic research to complex legal documentation. You understand the historical and etymological roots of the word and how it fits into the broader system of German word formation. You can use it to discuss abstract concepts like 'gesundheitliche Souveränität' (health sovereignty) or 'gesundheitliche Resilienz' (health resilience). In your writing, 'gesundheitlich' is used not just for clarity, but for stylistic effect, helping to create a sophisticated and authoritative tone. You can navigate the most dense bureaucratic texts where 'gesundheitlich' appears in compound words or complex legal phrases. You are also able to critique the use of the word in public discourse, perhaps discussing how 'gesundheitliche Argumente' are used to justify certain political measures. Your ability to use the word is so refined that you can even use it in creative or literary contexts to describe a character's state or a setting's atmosphere in a way that is both precise and evocative. At this level, the word is a versatile tool in your extensive linguistic repertoire, used effortlessly to convey complex ideas about human well-being and its place in society.

gesundheitlich in 30 Seconds

  • Gesundheitlich means 'related to health' or 'health-wise'. It is a key word for formal and professional contexts in German.
  • It is different from 'gesund' (healthy). Use 'gesundheitlich' to categorize reasons, risks, or a general state of well-being.
  • Commonly used in the phrase 'aus gesundheitlichen Gründen' (for health reasons) to explain absences politely and professionally.
  • As an adjective, it takes endings (e.g., gesundheitliche Probleme). As an adverb, it stays the same (e.g., Gesundheitlich geht es mir gut).
The German adjective gesundheitlich is a specialized term that translates most accurately to 'health-wise,' 'regarding health,' or 'in terms of health.' While the base word 'gesund' simply means 'healthy,' adding the suffix '-heit' creates the noun 'Gesundheit' (health), and adding the further suffix '-lich' transforms it into a relational adjective. This specific linguistic construction is vital in German for categorizing information. When you use gesundheitlich, you are not necessarily saying something is healthy or unhealthy; rather, you are specifying that the topic of discussion belongs to the domain of health. This distinction is crucial for English speakers who might be tempted to use 'gesund' in places where 'gesundheitlich' is required. For instance, if you are absent from work, you might have 'gesundheitliche Gründe' (health-related reasons). If you said 'gesunde Gründe,' you would be saying 'healthy reasons,' which makes little sense in that context.
Domain Specification
The word functions as a pointer, narrowing the scope of a statement to the physiological or psychological well-being of a person. It is frequently used in professional, medical, and administrative contexts to categorize issues, risks, or benefits.

Er musste gesundheitlich etwas kürzertreten, um einen Burnout zu vermeiden.

In everyday conversation, you will hear this word when people are discussing their general state of being without wanting to go into specific medical details. It serves as a polite, slightly formal umbrella term. For example, 'Wie geht es dir gesundheitlich?' is a common way to ask 'How are you doing health-wise?' without asking for a specific diagnosis. It allows the respondent to answer generally, perhaps saying 'Gesundheitlich ist alles bestens' (Health-wise, everything is fine).
Administrative Usage
In legal or insurance documents, you will see phrases like 'gesundheitliche Verfassung' (health condition) or 'gesundheitliche Risiken' (health risks). These terms are standard in the German bureaucracy to ensure clarity and precision.

Die gesundheitliche Vorsorge ist ein wichtiger Bestandteil des Sozialsystems.

Es gibt keine gesundheitlichen Bedenken gegen diese neue Sportart.

Adverbial vs. Attributive
It can be used as an adverb ('Mir geht es gesundheitlich gut') or as an adjective modifying a noun ('Ich habe gesundheitliche Probleme'). In both cases, it maintains the meaning of 'related to health'.

Das Rauchen hat schwere gesundheitliche Folgen für den Körper.

Wir müssen die gesundheitliche Situation der Bevölkerung genau beobachten.

Using gesundheitlich correctly requires an understanding of German adjective endings and adverbial positioning. Because it is an adjective, when it precedes a noun, it must decline according to the gender, number, and case of that noun. For example, in the nominative masculine, you might say 'ein gesundheitlicher Schaden' (a health-related damage), while in the accusative plural, it becomes 'gesundheitliche Probleme' (health problems). This flexibility allows it to fit into complex sentence structures where health is the defining factor of a condition or event.
Attributive Usage
When placed before a noun, it describes the nature of that noun. Common pairings include 'Aspekt' (aspect), 'Zustand' (state), and 'Gründe' (reasons). Example: 'Aus gesundheitlichen Gründen kann ich heute nicht kommen.'

Die gesundheitlichen Vorteile von Sport sind wissenschaftlich bewiesen.

When used adverbially, gesundheitlich does not change its form. It typically appears after the verb 'sein' or 'gehen' or at the beginning of a clause to set the context. For example, 'Gesundheitlich ist er wieder auf dem Damm' means 'Health-wise, he is back on his feet.' This adverbial use is very common in spoken German to provide a quick update on someone's well-being.
Adverbial Placement
In a sentence like 'Er ist gesundheitlich angeschlagen,' the word 'gesundheitlich' modifies the participle 'angeschlagen' (hit/weakened), specifying exactly how he is weakened.

Sie fühlt sich gesundheitlich momentan nicht in der Lage, Vollzeit zu arbeiten.

Welche gesundheitlichen Risiken sind mit diesem Beruf verbunden?

Comparison with 'Gesund'
Contrast: 'Ein gesundes Kind' (A healthy child) vs. 'Der gesundheitliche Zustand des Kindes' (The health-related state of the child). The first describes a quality, the second a category.

Das Projekt wurde aus gesundheitlichen Überlegungen gestoppt.

Man sollte gesundheitlich keine Kompromisse eingehen.

You will encounter gesundheitlich in a variety of real-world scenarios in German-speaking countries. One of the most common places is the workplace. If a colleague is taking a long leave of absence, the human resources department or management might inform the team by saying the person is out for 'gesundheitliche Gründe.' This phrasing protects the individual's privacy by not disclosing specific illnesses while providing a legitimate category for their absence. Similarly, in news reports, you might hear about 'gesundheitliche Aufklärung' (health education) or 'gesundheitliche Notstände' (health emergencies).
Medical Consultations
Doctors often use this word when summarizing a patient's overall status. Instead of listing every symptom, they might say, 'Gesundheitlich stabil' (Stable health-wise), which gives a broad overview of the patient's condition.

Der Patient ist gesundheitlich wieder voll belastbar.

In the realm of public policy and environmentalism, gesundheitlich appears frequently in discussions about pollution, food safety, and urban planning. Experts might discuss the 'gesundheitliche Belastung' (health burden) caused by fine dust or noise pollution. This word allows them to isolate the health impact from economic or social impacts.
Media and Journalism
Journalists use the term to categorize news. A headline might read 'Gesundheitliche Folgen des Klimawandels' (Health consequences of climate change), signaling to the reader that the article will focus on diseases, heatwaves, and medical issues.

Es gab gesundheitliche Warnungen vor dem Verzehr des Fleisches.

Die Studie untersuchte die gesundheitlichen Auswirkungen von Homeoffice.

Insurance and Law
When applying for life insurance or disability insurance in Germany, you will fill out 'gesundheitliche Angaben' (health-related information). This is a standard legal term for your medical history.

Er hat seine gesundheitliche Vorgeschichte wahrheitsgemäß angegeben.

Die gesundheitliche Infrastruktur in ländlichen Gebieten muss verbessert werden.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make is confusing gesundheitlich with the basic adjective 'gesund' (healthy). While 'gesund' describes a state of being, gesundheitlich describes the category to which something belongs. For example, if you say 'Ich habe gesunde Probleme,' you are saying 'I have healthy problems,' which is contradictory. The correct phrase is 'Ich habe gesundheitliche Probleme' (I have health-related problems). This distinction is vital for accurate communication.
The 'Gesund' vs. 'Gesundheitlich' Trap
Mistake: 'Er ist gesundheitlich.' (He is health-wise). This is incomplete. Correct: 'Er ist gesundheitlich angeschlagen' or simply 'Er ist gesund.' Use 'gesundheitlich' only when you are qualifying another word or setting a context.

Falsch: Das ist eine gesundheitliche Mahlzeit. Richtig: Das ist eine gesunde Mahlzeit.

Another common mistake is using gesundheitlich as a noun. While 'Gesundheit' is the noun, 'gesundheitlich' is strictly an adjective or adverb. You cannot say 'Meine Gesundheitlich ist schlecht.' You must say 'Mein gesundheitlicher Zustand ist schlecht' or 'Meine Gesundheit ist schlecht.'
Word Order and Adverbs
When using it as an adverb, learners often place it at the end of the sentence like in English ('He is doing well health-wise'). In German, it often sounds more natural closer to the verb or at the very beginning: 'Gesundheitlich geht es ihm gut.'

Falsch: Er hat Gründe gesundheitlich. Richtig: Er hat gesundheitliche Gründe.

Falsch: Ich mache mir Sorgen um seine Gesundheitlich. Richtig: Ich mache mir Sorgen um seine Gesundheit.

Overuse in Simple Contexts
Sometimes learners use 'gesundheitlich' when 'körperlich' (physical) or 'psychisch' (mental/psychological) would be more precise. If you specifically mean a body-related issue, 'körperlich' is often better.

Er ist gesundheitlich (better: körperlich) nicht in der Lage, schwere Kisten zu heben.

Die gesundheitliche Aufklärung in Schulen ist sehr wichtig.

When discussing health in German, several words share a semantic field with gesundheitlich, but each has its own specific nuance and register. Understanding these differences will help you sound more natural and precise. The most frequent alternatives are 'medizinisch,' 'körperlich,' and 'physisch.' While they all relate to the body or well-being, their applications vary based on whether you are talking about science, the physical body, or general health circumstances.
Medizinisch vs. Gesundheitlich
'Medizinisch' refers specifically to the field of medicine, doctors, and treatments. 'Gesundheitlich' is broader and refers to the state of health. Example: 'Ein medizinischer Eingriff' (a medical procedure) vs. 'Ein gesundheitliches Problem' (a health problem).

Das ist ein medizinischer Notfall, kein rein gesundheitlicher Aspekt.

'Körperlich' and 'physisch' both mean 'physical.' They are used when you want to distinguish the body from the mind ('psychisch' or 'mental'). Gesundheitlich often encompasses both the physical and mental aspects of health, making it a more holistic term.
Körperlich vs. Gesundheitlich
'Körperlich' is used for physical labor or physical symptoms. 'Gesundheitlich' is used for the reasons behind an action or the overall state. Example: 'Körperliche Arbeit' (physical work) vs. 'Gesundheitliche Einschränkungen' (health-related restrictions).

Er ist körperlich fit, aber gesundheitlich durch Stress belastet.

Die hygienischen Bedingungen waren mangelhaft.

Heilsam vs. Gesundheitlich
'Heilsam' means 'salutary' or 'healing.' It is used for things that improve health. 'Gesundheitlich' is neutral and just refers to the domain of health. Example: 'Ein heilsames Klima' (a healing climate).

Die Bergluft hat eine heilsame Wirkung auf seine gesundheitliche Verfassung.

Wir besprechen die gesundheitlichen Aspekte der neuen Arbeitszeitregelung.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The root 'gesund' is related to the English word 'sound' (as in 'safe and sound'). So, 'gesundheitlich' literally means 'sound-ness-ly'!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɡəˈzʊntˌhaɪtlɪç/
US /ɡəˈzʊntˌhaɪtlɪk/
The primary stress is on the second syllable '-zʊnt-', with secondary stress on '-haɪt-'.
Rhymes With
freiheitlich einheitlich mehrheitlich menschheitlich wahrheitlich weisheitlich hoheitlich neuheitlich
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing the 'g' as a hard 'j' sound.
  • Ending the word with a hard 'k' sound instead of the soft German 'ch'.
  • Misplacing the stress on the first syllable.
  • Pronouncing 'heit' like 'hate' instead of 'height'.
  • Swallowing the 't' in the middle of the word.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The word is long but easy to recognize once you know 'Gesundheit'.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct adjective endings which can be tricky for B1 learners.

Speaking 3/5

The 'ch' sound at the end and the 't' in the middle require some practice.

Listening 3/5

Commonly used in news and formal speech, usually clear.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

gesund die Gesundheit der Grund das Problem das Risiko

Learn Next

medizinisch körperlich psychisch die Vorsorge die Beeinträchtigung

Advanced

gesundheitsschädlich die Prävention die Konstitution diagnostizieren therapeutisch

Grammar to Know

Adjective Declension

Ein gesundheitlicher (masc. nom.) Grund / Aus gesundheitlichen (plural dat.) Gründen.

Suffix -lich

Wirtschaft -> wirtschaftlich; Sport -> sportlich; Gesundheit -> gesundheitlich.

Adverbial Use

Gesundheitlich (no ending) geht es mir gut.

Preposition 'aus'

Aus (takes dative) gesundheitlichen Gründen.

Capitalization of Adjectives

Always lowercase (gesundheitlich) unless it starts a sentence.

Examples by Level

1

Ich kann heute nicht kommen aus gesundheitlichen Gründen.

I cannot come today for health reasons.

Uses 'aus' + dative plural ending '-en'.

2

Wie geht es dir gesundheitlich?

How are you doing health-wise?

Used as an adverb here.

3

Er hat ein gesundheitliches Problem.

He has a health-related problem.

Neuter singular accusative ending '-es'.

4

Gesundheitlich ist alles okay.

Health-wise, everything is okay.

Adverbial use at the start of the sentence.

5

Sport ist gut für die gesundheitliche Entwicklung.

Sport is good for health development.

Feminine singular accusative ending '-e'.

6

Sie braucht eine gesundheitliche Pause.

She needs a health-related break.

Feminine singular accusative ending '-e'.

7

Gibt es gesundheitliche Fragen?

Are there any health-related questions?

Plural nominative ending '-e'.

8

Das ist ein gesundheitlicher Tipp.

That is a health-related tip.

Masculine singular nominative ending '-er'.

1

Rauchen hat viele gesundheitliche Nachteile.

Smoking has many health disadvantages.

Plural accusative ending '-e'.

2

Wir sprechen über gesundheitliche Themen.

We are talking about health-related topics.

Plural accusative ending '-e'.

3

Seine gesundheitliche Lage hat sich verbessert.

His health situation has improved.

Feminine singular nominative ending '-e'.

4

Obst ist wichtig für die gesundheitliche Vorsorge.

Fruit is important for health prevention.

Feminine singular accusative ending '-e'.

5

Er fühlt sich gesundheitlich nicht fit.

He doesn't feel fit health-wise.

Adverbial use.

6

Haben Sie gesundheitliche Beschwerden?

Do you have any health complaints?

Plural accusative ending '-e'.

7

Das ist eine gesundheitliche Warnung.

That is a health warning.

Feminine singular nominative ending '-e'.

8

Sie arbeitet aus gesundheitlichen Gründen weniger.

She works less for health reasons.

Plural dative ending '-en'.

1

Die gesundheitlichen Folgen von Stress sind groß.

The health consequences of stress are significant.

Plural nominative with definite article ending '-en'.

2

Er musste seinen Job aus gesundheitlichen Gründen aufgeben.

He had to give up his job for health reasons.

Standard phrase with dative plural '-en'.

3

Gesundheitlich geht es ihr nach der Kur viel besser.

Health-wise, she is much better after the spa treatment.

Adverbial use at the start.

4

Gibt es gesundheitliche Bedenken gegen die Impfung?

Are there health concerns against the vaccination?

Plural nominative ending '-e'.

5

Die gesundheitliche Aufklärung ist eine staatliche Aufgabe.

Health education is a state task.

Feminine singular nominative with definite article '-e'.

6

Wir müssen die gesundheitliche Situation prüfen.

We must check the health situation.

Feminine singular accusative with definite article '-e'.

7

Er ist gesundheitlich stark belastet.

He is under heavy health-related strain.

Adverbial use modifying 'belastet'.

8

Das Medikament hat keine gesundheitlichen Risiken.

The medication has no health risks.

Plural accusative with 'keine' ending '-en'.

1

Die gesundheitliche Infrastruktur muss modernisiert werden.

The health infrastructure must be modernized.

Feminine singular nominative with definite article '-e'.

2

Gesundheitlich gesehen ist das Risiko minimal.

From a health perspective, the risk is minimal.

Adverbial phrase 'gesundheitlich gesehen'.

3

Es gibt eine gesundheitliche Beeinträchtigung durch Lärm.

There is a health impairment caused by noise.

Feminine singular nominative ending '-e'.

4

Man sollte die gesundheitlichen Aspekte nicht vernachlässigen.

One should not neglect the health aspects.

Plural accusative with definite article '-en'.

5

Die gesundheitliche Verfassung der Patienten wird täglich kontrolliert.

The health condition of the patients is checked daily.

Feminine singular nominative with definite article '-e'.

6

Es gab gesundheitliche Warnungen vor dem Feinstaub.

There were health warnings about fine dust.

Plural nominative ending '-e'.

7

Sie ist gesundheitlich wieder voll einsatzfähig.

She is fully capable of working again health-wise.

Adverbial use.

8

Die Studie untersucht die gesundheitliche Belastung von Lehrern.

The study examines the health burden on teachers.

Feminine singular accusative with definite article '-e'.

1

Die gesundheitliche Chancengleichheit ist ein zentrales Ziel.

Health equity is a central goal.

Feminine singular nominative with definite article '-e'.

2

In gesundheitlicher Hinsicht gibt es keine Einwände.

From a health perspective, there are no objections.

Dative feminine singular phrase 'in ... Hinsicht'.

3

Die gesundheitliche Prävention wird oft unterschätzt.

Health prevention is often underestimated.

Feminine singular nominative with definite article '-e'.

4

Er leidet unter einer gesundheitlichen Störung.

He suffers from a health-related disorder.

Dative feminine singular after 'unter' with 'einer' ending '-en'.

5

Die gesundheitlichen Kosten des Alkoholkonsums sind immens.

The health costs of alcohol consumption are immense.

Plural nominative with definite article '-en'.

6

Gesundheitlich ist die Region stark unterversorgt.

Health-wise, the region is severely undersupplied.

Adverbial use.

7

Es bedarf einer gesundheitlichen Neuausrichtung des Systems.

It requires a health-related realignment of the system.

Genitive feminine singular after 'bedarf' with 'einer' ending '-en'.

8

Die gesundheitliche Dimension der Krise wurde spät erkannt.

The health dimension of the crisis was recognized late.

Feminine singular nominative with definite article '-e'.

1

Die gesundheitliche Souveränität des Individuums ist unantastbar.

The health sovereignty of the individual is inviolable.

Feminine singular nominative with definite article '-e'.

2

Das Gutachten bestätigt die gesundheitliche Unbedenklichkeit.

The expert report confirms the health safety (lack of concerns).

Feminine singular accusative with definite article '-e'.

3

Gesundheitlich ist das Projekt als hochgradig riskant einzustufen.

Health-wise, the project is to be classified as highly risky.

Adverbial use at the start.

4

Die gesundheitliche Resilienz der Bevölkerung wurde gestärkt.

The health resilience of the population was strengthened.

Feminine singular nominative with definite article '-e'.

5

Es gibt keine gesundheitliche Rechtfertigung für diese Maßnahme.

There is no health justification for this measure.

Feminine singular nominative with 'keine' ending '-e'.

6

Die gesundheitliche Komponente ist in diesem Diskurs zentral.

The health component is central to this discourse.

Feminine singular nominative with definite article '-e'.

7

In gesundheitlicher Beziehung ist das Klima dort ideal.

In terms of health, the climate there is ideal.

Dative feminine singular phrase 'in ... Beziehung'.

8

Die gesundheitliche Tragweite der Entscheidung ist noch unklar.

The health implications (scope) of the decision are still unclear.

Feminine singular nominative with definite article '-e'.

Common Collocations

gesundheitliche Gründe
gesundheitliche Probleme
gesundheitliche Risiken
gesundheitlicher Zustand
gesundheitliche Vorsorge
gesundheitliche Folgen
gesundheitliche Aspekte
gesundheitliche Aufklärung
gesundheitliche Verfassung
gesundheitliche Beeinträchtigung

Common Phrases

Aus gesundheitlichen Gründen

— For health-related reasons. Used to explain an absence or a change in plans professionally.

Aus gesundheitlichen Gründen wurde das Konzert abgesagt.

Gesundheitlich angeschlagen sein

— To be feeling a bit under the weather or weakened health-wise.

Ich bin heute gesundheitlich etwas angeschlagen.

Gesundheitlich auf dem Damm sein

— To be back on one's feet or doing well health-wise (idiomatic).

Er ist gesundheitlich wieder voll auf dem Damm.

Wie geht es dir gesundheitlich?

— How are you doing in terms of health? A common, polite inquiry.

Lange nicht gesehen! Wie geht es dir gesundheitlich?

Gesundheitlich keine Bedenken haben

— To have no health-related concerns about something.

Der Arzt hat gesundheitlich keine Bedenken gegen die Reise.

Gesundheitlich beeinträchtigt sein

— To be impaired or hindered due to health issues.

Viele ältere Menschen sind gesundheitlich beeinträchtigt.

In gesundheitlicher Hinsicht

— In terms of health or from a health perspective.

In gesundheitlicher Hinsicht ist Zucker schädlich.

Gesundheitlich voll belastbar

— Fully capable of handling physical or mental stress/work health-wise.

Nach der Reha ist er wieder gesundheitlich voll belastbar.

Gesundheitliche Schäden davontragen

— To suffer long-term health damage from an event or substance.

Er hat durch den Unfall gesundheitliche Schäden davongetragen.

Gesundheitliche Warnung

— A warning regarding health risks.

Die Regierung gab eine gesundheitliche Warnung heraus.

Often Confused With

gesundheitlich vs gesund

'Gesund' means 'healthy' (a state). 'Gesundheitlich' means 'regarding health' (a category).

gesundheitlich vs Gesundheit

'Gesundheit' is the noun (health). 'Gesundheitlich' is the adjective/adverb.

gesundheitlich vs medizinisch

'Medizinisch' is specifically about medical science and treatment, while 'gesundheitlich' is more general about well-being.

Idioms & Expressions

"Gesundheitlich wieder auf dem Posten sein"

— To be healthy and back to work/duty again.

Nach der Grippe ist er wieder gesundheitlich auf dem Posten.

informal/neutral
"Gesundheitlich über den Berg sein"

— To be over the worst of an illness or health crisis.

Die Operation war schwer, aber er ist gesundheitlich über den Berg.

informal/neutral
"Gesundheitlich nicht ganz auf der Höhe sein"

— To not be quite at 100% health-wise.

Ich komme heute nicht mit, ich bin gesundheitlich nicht ganz auf der Höhe.

informal
"Gesundheitlich aus dem Schneider sein"

— To be out of danger health-wise.

Der Patient ist nach dem Herzinfarkt gesundheitlich aus dem Schneider.

informal
"Gesundheitlich die Kurve kriegen"

— To manage to recover or improve one's health just in time.

Er hat gesundheitlich gerade noch die Kurve gekriegt.

informal
"Gesundheitlich Federn lassen"

— To suffer a decline in health (literally: to lose feathers).

Die Jahre im Bergbau ließen ihn gesundheitlich Federn lassen.

informal/literary
"Gesundheitlich am Stock gehen"

— To be in very poor health or extremely exhausted.

Nach der Doppelbelastung geht er gesundheitlich am Stock.

slang/informal
"Gesundheitlich wieder Oberwasser haben"

— To be doing better/recovering health-wise.

Nach der Therapie hat er gesundheitlich wieder Oberwasser.

informal
"Gesundheitlich ins Hintertreffen geraten"

— To fall behind or decline in terms of health.

Man darf seine Vorsorge nicht vernachlässigen, sonst gerät man gesundheitlich ins Hintertreffen.

formal/neutral
"Gesundheitlich auf Draht sein"

— To be very fit and alert health-wise.

Opa ist mit 80 immer noch gesundheitlich voll auf Draht.

informal

Easily Confused

gesundheitlich vs gesund

They both come from the same root.

Use 'gesund' to describe a person or food (e.g., 'Ein gesundes Kind'). Use 'gesundheitlich' to describe a reason or category (e.g., 'Gesundheitliche Gründe').

Der Apfel ist gesund, aber mein Grund für die Diät ist gesundheitlich.

gesundheitlich vs körperlich

Both relate to the body.

Körperlich refers specifically to the physical anatomy or labor. Gesundheitlich refers to the general state of health, including mental health.

Er ist körperlich stark, aber gesundheitlich durch Burnout gefährdet.

gesundheitlich vs physisch

Synonyms for physical.

Physisch is more scientific/formal. Gesundheitlich is the standard term for 'health-wise'.

Die physische Belastung führt zu gesundheitlichen Schäden.

gesundheitlich vs heilsam

Both relate to health.

Heilsam means 'healing' or 'beneficial'. Gesundheitlich is neutral and just means 'related to health'.

Der Tee ist heilsam für seine gesundheitlichen Beschwerden.

gesundheitlich vs hygienisch

Both relate to well-being.

Hygienisch is strictly about cleanliness. Gesundheitlich is about the state of being well.

Die Küche ist hygienisch sauber, was gut für die gesundheitliche Sicherheit ist.

Sentence Patterns

A1

Ich habe [gesundheitlich] Probleme.

Ich habe gesundheitliche Probleme.

A2

Mir geht es [gesundheitlich] [Adjective].

Mir geht es gesundheitlich gut.

B1

Aus [gesundheitlich] Gründen [Verb] ich [Object].

Aus gesundheitlichen Gründen bleibe ich zu Hause.

B1

Es gibt [gesundheitlich] Risiken.

Es gibt gesundheitliche Risiken.

B2

In [gesundheitlich] Hinsicht ist [Subject] [Adjective].

In gesundheitlicher Hinsicht ist das Rauchen gefährlich.

B2

[Subject] hat [gesundheitlich] Auswirkungen auf [Object].

Lärm hat gesundheitliche Auswirkungen auf den Schlaf.

C1

Die [gesundheitlich] Dimension von [Noun]...

Die gesundheitliche Dimension der Krise ist enorm.

C2

Gesundheitlich ist [Subject] als [Adjective] einzustufen.

Gesundheitlich ist die Lage als kritisch einzustufen.

Word Family

Nouns

Gesundheit
Gesundung
Gesundheitswesen
Gesundheitsamt
Gesundheitszustand

Verbs

gesunden
gesundpflegen
gesundbeten

Adjectives

gesund
ungesund
kerngesund
gesundheitsschädlich

Related

Krankheit
Medizin
Körper
Hygiene
Vorsorge

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in professional and medical contexts.

Common Mistakes
  • Ich habe gesunde Probleme. Ich habe gesundheitliche Probleme.

    'Gesund' means 'healthy'. You cannot have 'healthy problems'. You have 'health-related problems'.

  • Er ist gesundheitlich. Er ist gesund. / Gesundheitlich geht es ihm gut.

    'Gesundheitlich' is a relational adjective; it needs to modify a noun or be used as an adverb with a following adjective/verb.

  • Meine Gesundheitlich ist schlecht. Meine Gesundheit ist schlecht. / Mein gesundheitlicher Zustand ist schlecht.

    'Gesundheitlich' is an adjective, not a noun. Use 'Gesundheit' for the noun form.

  • Aus gesundheitliche Gründen. Aus gesundheitlichen Gründen.

    After 'aus' (dative) and in the plural, the adjective ending must be '-en'.

  • Das ist ein gesundheitliches Apfel. Das ist ein gesunder Apfel.

    Food is described as 'gesund' (healthy), not 'gesundheitlich' (health-related).

Tips

Adjective Endings

Always check the noun gender! It's 'der gesundheitliche Zustand' but 'die gesundheitliche Vorsorge'. Practice your declension tables.

Workplace Privacy

Use 'aus gesundheitlichen Gründen' to protect your privacy. Your boss doesn't need to know the specific illness, only that it's health-related.

Avoid Confusion

Don't say 'gesunde Probleme'. Healthy problems don't exist! Use 'gesundheitliche Probleme' for issues related to your health.

The Soft CH

The 'ch' in 'lich' is soft. If it sounds like a 'k', people will still understand you, but it won't sound native. Practice with 'ich' and 'dich'.

Formal Tone

In reports, 'gesundheitlich' sounds more objective and professional than 'krank'. It focuses on the category rather than the person's state.

Adverbial Position

Try starting your sentence with 'Gesundheitlich...' to immediately set the topic. 'Gesundheitlich ist er wieder fit.'

Holistic Meaning

Remember that 'gesundheitlich' is broader than 'körperlich'. It can include stress and mental well-being too.

The '-lich' Rule

Many German adjectives for domains end in '-lich'. Sportlich (sports), wirtschaftlich (economy), gesundheitlich (health). Learn them as a group!

Polite Inquiries

Asking 'Wie geht es dir gesundheitlich?' is very polite. it shows you care about their well-being without being too intrusive.

Scan for Keywords

When reading news, 'gesundheitlich' often appears near words like 'Risiko' or 'Folgen'. This helps you quickly identify health warnings.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the word 'Gesundheit!' that people say when you sneeze. Then add '-lich' (like the English '-ly' or '-al'). It's the 'Health-ly' word for reasons and problems.

Visual Association

Imagine a doctor's clipboard with a big 'H' for health. Every time you see 'gesundheitlich', imagine that clipboard categorizing a problem.

Word Web

Gesundheit Gründe Probleme Zustand Risiken Vorteile Aspekte Vorsorge

Challenge

Try to use 'gesundheitlich' in three different sentences today: one about your own health, one about a reason for something, and one about a benefit of a habit.

Word Origin

The word 'gesundheitlich' is a derivative of the noun 'Gesundheit' (health), which itself comes from the adjective 'gesund' (healthy). The suffix '-heit' is used to form abstract nouns, and '-lich' is an adjectival suffix meaning 'related to' or 'having the nature of'.

Original meaning: Originally, it meant 'pertaining to the state of being sound or healthy'.

Germanic (Indo-European).

Cultural Context

Always use 'gesundheitlich' instead of 'krank' (sick) in professional writing to sound more objective and less personal.

In English, we often just say 'for health reasons' or 'health-wise'. 'Gesundheitlich' fits both of these perfectly depending on where it is in the sentence.

German Social Security Code (SGB) uses 'gesundheitlich' extensively. Public health campaigns by the BZgA (Federal Centre for Health Education). Medical insurance (Krankenkasse) forms.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Workplace Absence

  • aus gesundheitlichen Gründen fehlen
  • gesundheitliche Einschränkungen
  • gesundheitlich nicht belastbar
  • die gesundheitliche Eignung

Medical Consultation

  • gesundheitliche Beschwerden
  • der gesundheitliche Zustand
  • gesundheitliche Vorgeschichte
  • gesundheitliche Bedenken

Public Health

  • gesundheitliche Aufklärung
  • gesundheitliche Risiken
  • gesundheitliche Vorsorge
  • gesundheitliche Infrastruktur

Fitness and Lifestyle

  • gesundheitliche Vorteile
  • gesundheitlich fit bleiben
  • gesundheitliche Ziele
  • gesundheitliche Aspekte

Insurance and Legal

  • gesundheitliche Angaben
  • gesundheitliche Schäden
  • gesundheitliche Folgen
  • gesundheitliche Beurteilung

Conversation Starters

"Wie geht es dir eigentlich in letzter Zeit so gesundheitlich?"

"Glaubst du, dass Stress viele gesundheitliche Probleme verursacht?"

"Welche gesundheitlichen Vorteile hat deiner Meinung nach eine vegane Ernährung?"

"Musstest du schon mal etwas aus gesundheitlichen Gründen absagen?"

"Wie wichtig ist dir die gesundheitliche Vorsorge in deinem Alltag?"

Journal Prompts

Schreibe über eine Zeit, in der du aus gesundheitlichen Gründen eine Pause machen musstest. Wie hast du dich gefühlt?

Reflektiere über die gesundheitlichen Vorteile deines Lieblingshobbys. Warum ist es gut für dich?

Was sind die größten gesundheitlichen Herausforderungen in der heutigen Gesellschaft?

Wie hat sich deine gesundheitliche Verfassung in den letzten fünf Jahren verändert?

Welche gesundheitlichen Ziele möchtest du in diesem Jahr erreichen?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, that is incomplete. You should say 'Ich bin gesund' (I am healthy) or 'Gesundheitlich geht es mir gut' (Health-wise, I am doing well). 'Gesundheitlich' needs to modify something or set a context.

Use this phrase in formal contexts to explain why you are absent from work, school, or an event without giving specific medical details.

It is both. As an adjective, it changes its ending (e.g., 'gesundheitliche Probleme'). As an adverb, it stays the same (e.g., 'Er ist gesundheitlich fit').

'Gesund' means 'healthy' (a quality). 'Gesundheitlich' means 'regarding health' (a category). You have 'gesundheitliche Probleme,' not 'gesunde Probleme'.

It is the soft German 'ch' sound (ich-laut). Imagine hissing like a cat gently, with your tongue near the roof of your mouth.

Usually not. For food, use 'gesund' (healthy) or 'gesundheitsfördernd' (health-promoting). 'Gesundheitlich' is for the person's state or the reasons for an action.

Yes, it is more formal than just saying 'krank' (sick). It is the standard word in business and medical reports.

Yes, it is a holistic term that covers both physical and mental well-being in a general sense.

Common nouns include Gründe (reasons), Probleme (problems), Zustand (condition), Risiken (risks), and Vorteile (benefits).

The 'h' is part of the suffix '-heit', which is used to turn the adjective 'gesund' into the noun 'Gesundheit'.

Test Yourself 200 questions

writing

Translate: 'I am doing well health-wise.'

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writing

Translate: 'Health reasons.'

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writing

Write a sentence with 'gesundheitliche Probleme'.

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writing

Translate: 'How are you health-wise?'

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writing

Translate: 'I am staying home for health reasons.'

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writing

Write a sentence about 'gesundheitliche Risiken'.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'gesundheitlich gesehen'.

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writing

Translate: 'The health condition is stable.'

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writing

Write a sentence about 'gesundheitliche Aufklärung'.

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writing

Translate: 'In terms of health, there are no objections.'

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writing

Translate: 'Health-wise okay.'

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writing

Translate: 'Sport is good health-wise.'

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writing

Write a sentence with 'gesundheitlicher Aspekt'.

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writing

Translate: 'No health concerns.'

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writing

Write a sentence with 'gesundheitliche Folgen'.

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writing

Translate: 'Health infrastructure.'

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writing

Write a sentence with 'gesundheitliche Beeinträchtigung'.

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writing

Translate: 'Health dimension.'

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writing

Translate: 'Health safety (unbedenklichkeit).'

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writing

Write a sentence with 'gesundheitliche Resilienz'.

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speaking

Say: 'Gesundheitlich geht es mir gut.'

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speaking

Say: 'Aus gesundheitlichen Gründen.'

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speaking

Ask: 'Wie geht es dir gesundheitlich?'

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speaking

Say: 'Ich habe gesundheitliche Probleme.'

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speaking

Say: 'Er ist gesundheitlich angeschlagen.'

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speaking

Say: 'Keine gesundheitlichen Bedenken.'

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speaking

Say: 'Gesundheitlich gesehen ist das gut.'

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speaking

Say: 'Die gesundheitliche Vorsorge ist wichtig.'

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speaking

Say: 'In gesundheitlicher Hinsicht gibt es Probleme.'

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speaking

Say: 'Die gesundheitliche Dimension ist groß.'

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speaking

Say: 'Gesundheitlich okay.'

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speaking

Say: 'Gesundheitlich fit.'

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speaking

Say: 'Ein gesundheitlicher Grund.'

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speaking

Say: 'Gesundheitliche Risiken.'

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speaking

Say: 'Gesundheitliche Folgen.'

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speaking

Say: 'Gesundheitliche Aufklärung.'

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speaking

Say: 'Gesundheitliche Beeinträchtigung.'

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speaking

Say: 'Gesundheitliche Chancengleichheit.'

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speaking

Say: 'Gesundheitliche Souveränität.'

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speaking

Say: 'Gesundheitliche Unbedenklichkeit.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'Gesundheitlich gut.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'Aus gesundheitlichen Gründen.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'Gesundheitliche Probleme.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'Wie geht es dir gesundheitlich?'

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listening

Listen and write: 'Ein gesundheitlicher Aspekt.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'Keine gesundheitlichen Risiken.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'Gesundheitlich gesehen.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'Die gesundheitliche Vorsorge.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'In gesundheitlicher Hinsicht.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'Gesundheitliche Beeinträchtigung.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'Gesundheitlich okay.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'Gesundheitlich fit.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'Gesundheitliche Gründe.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'Gesundheitliche Folgen.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'Gesundheitliche Dimension.'

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/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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