inflammation
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inflammation
A reaction of the body to an injury or infection, typically noticeable through redness, swelling, pain, and warmth.
Der Arzt verschrieb eine Salbe gegen die Entzündung am Arm.
The doctor prescribed an ointment for the inflammation on his arm.
The noun 'die Entzündung' (inflammation) comes from the verb '(sich) entzünden' (to catch fire / to become inflamed), which means 'to start burning.' This fits well with the feeling of heat that often occurs with inflammation.
Die Wunde hat sich leider entzündet.
Unfortunately, the wound has become inflamed.
The preposition depends on the location of the inflammation. You say 'eine Entzündung im Hals' (an inflammation in the throat) for something inside, but 'eine Entzündung am Finger' (an inflammation on the finger) or 'auf der Haut' (on the skin) for something on the surface.
Er hat eine schmerzhafte Entzündung im Knie.
He has a painful inflammation in his knee.
Common verbs used with 'Entzündung' (inflammation) are 'eine Entzündung haben' (to have an inflammation), 'bekommen' (to get), or 'behandeln' (to treat). Adjectives are often 'akut' (acute), 'chronisch' (chronic), or 'schwer' (severe).
Eine chronische Entzündung sollte ärztlich behandelt werden.
A chronic inflammation should be treated by a doctor.
infection
Both words can apply to a sick or reddened part of the body, but they focus on different things. “Infektion” refers to pathogens entering and multiplying, while “Entzündung” refers to the body’s reaction to this or to an injury. Use the respective word for the process you mean.
Die Untersuchung zeigte eine Entzündung der Wunde mit Rötung und Schwellung.
The examination showed inflammation in the wound, with redness and swelling.
Die Untersuchung zeigte eine Infektion der Wunde durch Bakterien.
The examination showed that bacteria had infected the wound.
