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Volkskrankheit

widespread disease

noun FOLKS-krank-hayt Rare
Body & Health Health & Illness

Also means

common chronic illness

Usage Note

Volkskrankheit describes a condition affecting a large proportion of the population. In Germany, Diabetes, Bluthochdruck, Rückenschmerzen, and Depressionen are regularly described as Volkskrankheiten. The term implies both high prevalence and societal costs.

Examples

"Rückenschmerzen gelten in Deutschland als eine der häufigsten Volkskrankheiten."

Natural Translation

Back pain is considered one of Germany's most common widespread diseases.

Literal Translation

Back pain counts in Germany as one of the most common widespread diseases.

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