infection / contagion
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infection
The transmission of a disease from one living being to another through contact with pathogens such as viruses or bacteria.
Händewaschen ist eine einfache und wirksame Maßnahme, um eine Ansteckung zu vermeiden.
Washing your hands is a simple and effective measure to avoid infection.
contagion
In a figurative sense, the transmission of feelings, moods, or behaviors to other people.
Seine Begeisterung war so groß, dass eine Ansteckung der Zuhörer unvermeidlich war.
His enthusiasm was so great that the contagion among the listeners was inevitable.
'Die Ansteckung' (infection/contagion) is the noun form of the verb 'anstecken' (to infect). The ending '-ung' turns the verb into a feminine noun that describes the process or result of the action.
Er fürchtet sich davor, sich bei der Arbeit anzustecken.
He is afraid of getting infected at work.
In a medical context, the prepositions 'vor' (from/against) and 'mit' (with) are often used. People speak of 'Schutz vor einer Ansteckung' (protection against infection) and 'Ansteckung mit einer Krankheit' (infection with a disease).
Guter Schutz vor Ansteckung ist in der Grippesaison besonders wichtig.
Good protection against infection is especially important during flu season.
Common combinations are 'eine Ansteckung vermeiden' (to avoid infection), 'das Risiko einer Ansteckung verringern' (to reduce the risk of infection), or 'die Gefahr der Ansteckung' (the danger of infection).
Durch regelmäßiges Lüften kann man das Risiko einer Ansteckung in Innenräumen senken.
By ventilating regularly, you can reduce the risk of infection indoors.
You can recognize the figurative meaning by the fact that it is combined with emotions or moods. Typical examples are 'Ansteckung' (contagion) through laughter, yawning, good mood, or panic.
Sein Gähnen war so intensiv, dass die Ansteckung im ganzen Raum spürbar war.
His yawning was so intense that the contagion was noticeable throughout the room.
transmission / transfer
Both words can describe a pathogen passing from one person to another. Übertragung is the more general term and can sound factual or technical, whereas Ansteckung directly refers to the spread of a disease in everyday language. For an ordinary illness-related situation, Ansteckung is usually the better fit.
Die Ansteckung mit dem Virus erfolgte wahrscheinlich durch engen Kontakt.
The infection probably occurred through close contact.
Die Übertragung des Virus erfolgte wahrscheinlich durch engen Kontakt.
The transmission of the virus probably occurred through close contact.
