bacterium
Loading your saved state.
bacterium
A single-celled microorganism without a true cell nucleus. Some bacteria can cause diseases, while others are useful.
Nicht jedes Bakterium ist schädlich für den Menschen.
Not every bacterium is harmful to humans.
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).
Im Labor werden die Bakterien unter dem Mikroskop untersucht.
In the laboratory, the bacteria are examined under the microscope.
'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).
Joghurt enthält viele nützliche Bakterien für die Verdauung.
Yogurt contains many useful bacteria for digestion.
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).
Regelmäßiges Händewaschen hilft, die Übertragung von Bakterien zu verhindern.
Regular handwashing helps prevent the transmission of bacteria.
virus
'Virus' and 'Bakterium' can both cause diseases and therefore often appear in the same health context. Still, they are not the same thing. A virus is a very small pathogen that can reproduce only in living cells. A bacterium is a single-celled microorganism; some bacteria cause illness, while others are useful. Learners may confuse the words because in everyday language people often simply talk about 'germs' or 'pathogens'. When the exact type of pathogen matters, you should not use 'Virus' and 'Bakterium' interchangeably.
Die Ärztin erklärt, dass dieses Bakterium mit einem passenden Medikament behandelt werden kann.
The doctor explains that this bacterium can be treated with the right medication.
Das Virus verbreitet sich schnell, deshalb bleiben viele Kinder heute zu Hause.
The virus is spreading quickly, so many children are staying home today.