Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Medizin | /(ˌ)me.di.ˈtsiːn/ | feminine |
| Arznei | /aʁt͡sˈnaɪ̯/ /aːɐ̯t͡sˈnaɪ̯/ |
feminine |
| Medikament | [medikaˈmɛnt] (narrow) | neuter |
These words all refer to a substance that promotes healing. Medizin is the general, standard term used for the substance itself, but it also serves as the standard word for the field or science of 'medicine'.
Which one should you use?
Medizin is a general term for medicine. In contrast, Medikament is more specific and often refers to a particular pharmaceutical drug or a specific dose. While Medizin can be used as a collective, the plural Medizinen is much less common in daily speech.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Arznei is a more formal or old-fashioned term, often found in pharmaceutical or poetic contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
Medizin is a feminine noun, so the definite article is die Medizin. Arznei is also a feminine noun, and its plural is Arzneien. Medikament is a neuter noun. Its plural is Medikamente.
How do you pronounce it?
/(ˌ)me.di.ˈtsiːn/
Did you know?
- While Medizin is the standard term, German speakers often use the word Mittel as a shorthand for 'medicine' or 'remedy' in casual conversation.
- German uses the word Hausmittel to describe 'home remedies' like tea or honey, which are culturally distinct from professional Medizin.
- The word Arznei is built directly from the root of Arzt, the German word for 'doctor'.
Examples in context
- Das ist meine Arznei.That's my medicine.This sentence shows the use of Arznei to identify a personal remedy.Tatoeba #11887926 by Naina, translation #2251098 by CK
- Sie braucht ihre Medizin.She needs her medicine.This sentence illustrates the use of Medizin regarding a need for medicine.Tatoeba #12448325 by Waldelfe, translation #7385637 by CH
- Ich brauche diese Medizin.I need that medicine.This sentence demonstrates how to express a need for Medizin.Tatoeba #4751911 by bonny37, translation #2387543 by CK
- Ich studiere Medizin an der Universität.I am studying medicine at the university.
- Ich habe meine Medikamente genommen.I took my medication.
- Brauchst du eine Pille?Do you need a pill?
- Ich brauche Arzneimittel gegen meine Kopfschmerzen.I need medication for my headache.
- Es gibt viele natürliche Heilmittel gegen Erkältungen.There are many natural remedies for colds.
- 376 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian is helping Laura feel better.
- MaximilianHast du deine Medizin schon genommen?Have you taken your medicine yet?
- LauraNein, wo steht die Medizin?No, where is the medicine?
- MaximilianSie liegt dort auf dem Tisch.It is lying there on the table.
- LauraDanke, Maximilian.Thanks, Maximilian.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “medicine” translations and entries Medizin, Arznei, Medikament, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Arznei, Medikament, Medizin, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
