infestation
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infestation
The attacking and colonizing of plants, animals, humans, or materials by pests (e.g., insects, fungi) or pathogens.
Der Befall der Rosen durch Blattläuse war dieses Jahr besonders stark.
The infestation of the roses by aphids was especially severe this year.
'Der Befall' (infestation/involvement) is the nominalization of the inseparable verb 'befallen' (to infest, to affect). The verb describes the act of attacking by pests or diseases, while the noun describes the result or state.
Die Bäume sind von einem Pilz befallen.
The trees are infested with a fungus.
To name the cause of the infestation, you usually use the prepositions 'durch' (by/through) or 'von' (by/of). In most cases, the two are interchangeable.
Ein Befall durch den Borkenkäfer kann ganze Wälder zerstören.
An infestation by the bark beetle can destroy entire forests.
The context makes the meaning clear. If it is about plants, animals, or materials, a pest infestation is meant. In a medical context, 'Befall' (involvement) refers to the spread of pathogens or disease in the body.
Der Holzwurm-Befall in den alten Möbeln ist ein großes Problem.
The woodworm infestation in the old furniture is a big problem.
In connection with pests, people often speak of a 'starken' (severe) or 'schwachen' (mild) Befall. Common verbs are 'einen Befall feststellen' (to detect an infestation), 'bekämpfen' (to combat), or 'verhindern' (to prevent).
Um einen Befall zu verhindern, sollte man die Pflanzen regelmäßig kontrollieren.
To prevent an infestation, you should check the plants regularly.
In a medical context, 'Befall' (involvement) is a technical term. It is used by doctors and in medical reports to describe the spread of a disease precisely.
Der Befund beschreibt einen Befall mehrerer Organe.
The findings describe involvement of several organs.
infection
'Infektion' and 'Befall' can both mean that something is affected by pathogens or other harmful things. 'Infektion' is especially suitable for people and animals when viruses or bacteria enter the body and can make them sick. 'Befall' is broader: it is also used for plants, materials, or apartments, for example with fungi, insects, or pests. In medicine, 'Befall' can also mean that a disease affects an organ. The words can be confused, but as a simple guide: for a disease in the body, people often say 'Infektion'; for pests or affected areas, 'Befall' is more likely.
Wegen des Befalls mit Schimmel muss die Wand im Bad saniert werden.
Because of the mold infestation, the bathroom wall has to be renovated.
Bei einer Infektion mit Bakterien verschreibt die Ärztin manchmal ein Antibiotikum.
For an infection with bacteria, the doctor sometimes prescribes an antibiotic.