Heilmittel
/ˈhaɪ̯lˌmɪtl̩/neuter
The English word remedy translates to German as Heilmittel.
Heilmittel can be used concretely for medical substances and abstractly for solutions to social or political problems.
Meaning: medicine, application, or treatment (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of Heil (healing/salvation) and Mittel (means/medium/tool).
Which one should you use?
While Heilmittel refers to the substance or method used to treat something, Heilung refers to the actual process or state of healing.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Heilmittel is an indeclinable plural, meaning the form remains the same for both singular and plural.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈhaɪ̯lˌmɪtl̩/
Did you know?
- The word Heil is also the root of the English word 'whole', meaning the concept of 'remedy' is linguistically tied to the idea of being 'unbroken' or 'complete'.
- The greeting Heil!, derived from the same root as Heilmittel, was historically used to wish someone good health or prosperity before it became associated with later political regimes.
- In a legal or political context, a 'remedy' for a grievance is often called a Rechtsbehelf, a term that focuses on the 'help' provided by the law rather than a 'healing' agent.
Examples in context
- Ich glaube an die Gewaltlosigkeit als einziges Heilmittel.I believe in non-violence as the only remedy.This sentence is useful for showing how to use Heilmittel in an abstract sense regarding non-violence.Tatoeba #2437762 by Esperantostern, translation #13186733 by frpzzd
- Das Medikament ist ein wirksames Heilmittel gegen Kopfschmerzen.The medicine is an effective remedy for headaches.
- Ich habe ein pflanzliches Mittel gegen Erkältungen gefunden.I found an herbal remedy for colds.
- Die neue Creme schafft schnelle Abhilfe gegen trockene Haut.The new cream provides quick relief for dry skin.
- Dieses Heilmittel hilft gegen Husten.This remedy helps against a cough.
- Gibt es ein natürliches Heilmittel?Is there a natural remedy?
Example conversation
Felix and Sarah are discussing herbal tea for a cold.
- FelixHast du ein gutes Heilmittel gegen Erkältung?Do you have a good remedy for a cold?
- SarahIch trinke immer heißen Honig-Tee.I always drink hot honey tea.
- FelixIst das ein bewährtes Heilmittel?Is that a proven remedy?
- SarahJa, das hilft mir immer sehr.Yes, that always helps me a lot.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “remedy” translations and entries Heilmittel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Heilmittel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
