seizure / fit / attack
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seizure
A sudden, short episode of an illness, often associated with convulsions, pain, or loss of consciousness.
Der Arzt erklärte, wie man sich bei einem epileptischen Anfall verhalten soll.
The doctor explained how to behave during an epileptic seizure.
'Der Anfall' (the seizure/fit/attack) is derived from the verb 'anfallen', which can mean 'to come over someone suddenly' or 'to attack'. The noun therefore describes a sudden, often intense event.
Plötzlich fiel ihn eine große Müdigkeit an.
Suddenly, a great tiredness came over him.
'Anfall' (seizure/fit/attack) is often used together with the verbs 'haben' (to have), 'bekommen' (to get), or 'erleiden' (to suffer).
Während des Fluges bekam der Passagier einen Schwächeanfall.
During the flight, the passenger had a fainting spell.
The medical meaning can often be recognized by its combination with an illness or an organ. Typical examples include 'Asthmaanfall' (asthma attack), 'Herzanfall' (heart attack), or 'epileptischer Anfall' (epileptic seizure).
Bei einem Asthmaanfall ist schnelle Hilfe wichtig.
During an asthma attack, quick help is important.
With emotional outbursts, 'Anfall' (fit/outburst) is often used as part of a compound noun. The most common are 'Wutanfall' (fit of rage/tantrum), 'Lachanfall' (fit of laughter), and 'Heulanfall' (crying fit).
Die Komödie war so lustig, dass ich einen Lachanfall bekam.
The comedy was so funny that I got a fit of laughter.
To describe a sudden, short state, the structure 'ein Anfall von + noun' (a bout/spell of + noun) is often used. The noun usually appears without an article.
Nach dem Mittagessen überkam mich ein Anfall von Faulheit.
After lunch, I was overcome by a bout of laziness.
attack
'der Angriff' and 'der Anfall' can both mean a sudden, intense episode, for example with illness or strong emotions. In this sense, they are very close. However, 'Anfall' is the normal and precise word for this, especially in medical contexts: 'ein Asthmaanfall' (an asthma attack), 'ein epileptischer Anfall' (an epileptic seizure), or 'ein Wutanfall' (a fit of rage). 'Angriff' is used less often in this meaning and often sounds more figurative or elevated, for example with 'ein Angriff von Angst' (an attack of fear) or pain. Learners may confuse the words because both describe something sudden. In most everyday situations involving illness or emotions, 'Anfall' is more natural.
Am Morgen hatte er einen starken Hustenanfall.
In the morning, he had a severe coughing fit.
Nach der schlechten Nachricht bekam sie einen Angriff von Panik.
After the bad news, she had an attack of panic.