ansteckend
contagious
Refers to a disease that can be transmitted from one person or animal to another.
EXAMPLE
Die Grippe ist hochansteckend, deshalb solltest du zu Hause bleiben.
The flu is highly contagious, so you should stay at home.
ansteckend
contagious
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Meanings
ansteckend
contagious
Used figuratively for a feeling, mood, or behavior that easily spreads to other people.
EXAMPLE
Sein Lachen ist so ansteckend, dass sofort alle mitlachen mussten.
His laughter is so contagious that everyone immediately had to laugh along.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word comes from the verb 'anstecken' (to infect), which means 'infizieren' (to infect). 'Ansteckend' (contagious) is the present participle form used as an adjective and describes that something has the quality of 'anzustecken' (infecting/spreading to others).
EXAMPLE
Halte Abstand, ich bin ansteckend!
Keep your distance, I'm contagious!
Context clue
You can tell whether the literal or figurative meaning is intended from the noun. If 'ansteckend' (contagious) refers to a disease or a virus, it is literal. If it refers to a feeling or behavior (laughter, yawning, good mood), it is meant figuratively.
EXAMPLE
Masern sind eine ansteckende Krankheit.
Measles is a contagious disease.
Intensification
To emphasize that a disease is very easily transmissible, the adverb 'hoch' (highly) is often placed before it. The combination 'hochansteckend' (highly contagious) is very common.
EXAMPLE
Windpocken sind eine hochansteckende Kinderkrankheit.
Chickenpox is a highly contagious childhood disease.
Typical combinations
In the figurative meaning, 'ansteckend' (contagious) is often combined with positive emotions and spontaneous reactions. Typical phrases are 'ansteckendes Lachen' (contagious laughter), 'ansteckende Freude' (contagious joy), 'ansteckende Begeisterung' (contagious enthusiasm), or also 'ansteckendes Gähnen' (contagious yawning).
EXAMPLE
Sein Enthusiasmus für das Projekt war total ansteckend.
His enthusiasm for the project was totally contagious.
Compare with
ansteckend vs übertragbar
transferable / transmissible
For diseases, both ansteckend and übertragbar can express that transmission is possible. Ansteckend usually describes the characteristic of a disease or person, while übertragbar places greater emphasis on the possible transmission between living beings. In everyday language, ansteckend often sounds more natural; übertragbar also fits when describing the route of transmission.
ansteckend
Die Grippe ist besonders in den ersten Tagen sehr ansteckend.
The flu is especially contagious during the first few days.
übertragbar
Die Krankheit ist durch engen Kontakt von einem Menschen auf einen anderen übertragbar.
The disease can be transmitted from one person to another through close contact.
In real life
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