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.
involvement
In medicine, the spread of a disease, especially cancer cells, in an organ or in the body.
Die Untersuchung zeigte einen Befall der Lymphknoten durch Tumorzellen.
The examination showed involvement of the lymph nodes by tumor cells.
'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
Both words can describe an illness caused by pathogens. „Infektion“ emphasizes the entry and multiplication of the pathogens, while „Befall“ places more emphasis on the affected organism or tissue. Use „Infektion“ for the transmission of an infection, and „Befall“ when the affected area is the focus.
Der Arzt behandelte den Befall der Haut mit einem geeigneten Mittel.
The doctor treated the infestation of the skin with a suitable remedy.
Der Arzt behandelte die Infektion der Haut mit einem geeigneten Mittel.
The doctor treated the skin infection with a suitable remedy.
