epidemic
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epidemic
The frequent occurrence of a contagious disease within a population, limited in time and place.
Die Grippe-Epidemie führte diesen Winter zu vielen Krankmeldungen.
The flu epidemic led to many sick notes this winter.
'Epidemie' (epidemic) is an international word that comes from Greek. It can be found in a similar form in many other languages, which makes it easier to understand.
Die Regierung versucht, die Epidemie unter Kontrolle zu bringen.
The government is trying to bring the epidemic under control.
In connection with diseases, 'Epidemie' (epidemic) is often used with the verbs 'ausbrechen' (to break out), 'sich ausbreiten' (to spread), 'eindämmen' (to contain), or 'bekämpfen' (to fight/combat).
Im Mittelalter brachen oft schwere Epidemien aus.
In the Middle Ages, severe epidemics often broke out.
You can recognize the figurative meaning by the fact that 'Epidemie' (epidemic) is combined with abstract, negative phenomena, not with diseases. The adjective 'wahr' (real/true) is often used for emphasis.
Es herrscht eine wahre Epidemie von Gleichgültigkeit in der Gesellschaft.
There is a real epidemic of indifference in society.
wave
'Welle' and 'Epidemie' can both describe a sudden and strong occurrence of something. With diseases, for example, people say 'eine Grippewelle' (a wave of flu) when many people get sick within a short time. 'Epidemie' is more specific and mainly refers to the strong spread of a contagious disease in a particular area. In a figurative sense, 'Epidemie' can also be used for negative behavior. 'Welle' is more general and can also refer to feelings, events, or trends. The words can be confused because both describe something that spreads quickly. For diseases, 'Epidemie' is more precise; for general strong increases, 'Welle' is often suitable.
Die Ärztin warnt vor einer Epidemie, weil sich die Krankheit schnell verbreitet.
The doctor warns of an epidemic because the disease is spreading quickly.
Nach den Ferien gab es in der Stadt eine neue Welle von Erkältungen.
After the holidays, there was a new wave of colds in the city.