das Bakterium
bacterium
A single-celled microorganism without a true cell nucleus. Some bacteria can cause diseases, while others are useful.
EXAMPLE
Nicht jedes Bakterium ist schädlich für den Menschen.
Not every bacterium is harmful to humans.
das Bakterium
bacterium
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Meanings
Usage tips
Foreign-word structure
The ending '-um' and the article 'das' are typical of many scientific words from Latin. These words often form a special plural: 'das Bakterium' (the bacterium) becomes 'die Bakterien' (the bacteria).
EXAMPLE
Im Labor werden die Bakterien unter dem Mikroskop untersucht.
In the laboratory, the bacteria are examined under the microscope.
Typical adjectives
'Bakterium' (bacterium) is often combined with adjectives that describe its effect. Common combinations are 'schädliche Bakterien' (harmful bacteria), 'nützliche Bakterien' (useful bacteria), or 'krankheitserregende Bakterien' (disease-causing bacteria).
EXAMPLE
Joghurt enthält viele nützliche Bakterien für die Verdauung.
Yogurt contains many useful bacteria for digestion.
Typical verbs
In connection with bacteria, verbs are often used that describe an action against them or by them. Typical phrases are 'Bakterien bekämpfen' (to fight bacteria), 'Bakterien abtöten' (to kill bacteria), or 'Bakterien übertragen' (to transmit bacteria).
EXAMPLE
Regelmäßiges Händewaschen hilft, die Übertragung von Bakterien zu verhindern.
Regular handwashing helps prevent the transmission of bacteria.
Compare with
Bakterium vs Erreger
pathogen
Bakterium refers to a specific type of microorganism that can be useful or harmful. Erreger, by contrast, emphasizes that a microorganism can cause a disease; it can be not only a bacterium but also a virus or fungus.
Bakterium
Das Labor fand in der Probe ein Bakterium und untersucht nun seine Wirkung.
The laboratory found a bacterium in the sample and is now examining its effects.
Erreger
Das Labor fand in der Probe den Erreger, der die Infektion verursacht hat.
The laboratory found the pathogen that caused the infection in the sample.
In real life
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