die Epidemie
epidemic
The frequent occurrence of a contagious disease within a population, limited in time and place.
EXAMPLE
Die Grippe-Epidemie führte diesen Winter zu vielen Krankmeldungen.
The flu epidemic led to many sick notes this winter.
die Epidemie
epidemic
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Meanings
die Epidemie
epidemic
In a figurative sense: the sudden, rapid spread of a negative phenomenon or behavior.
EXAMPLE
In den sozialen Medien gab es eine wahre Epidemie von Falschmeldungen.
There was a real epidemic of false reports on social media.
Usage tips
International word
'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.
EXAMPLE
Die Regierung versucht, die Epidemie unter Kontrolle zu bringen.
The government is trying to bring the epidemic under control.
Typical collocations
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).
EXAMPLE
Im Mittelalter brachen oft schwere Epidemien aus.
In the Middle Ages, severe epidemics often broke out.
Context clue
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.
EXAMPLE
Es herrscht eine wahre Epidemie von Gleichgültigkeit in der Gesellschaft.
There is a real epidemic of indifference in society.
Compare with
Epidemie vs Welle
wave
A Welle and an Epidemie can both describe a sharp increase in cases of a disease. Welle refers more to a period of rising numbers, whereas Epidemie refers to the concentrated occurrence of a contagious disease within a population. Choose Welle for the phase and Epidemie for the overall situation.
Epidemie
In der Region breitete sich eine Epidemie der ansteckenden Krankheit aus.
An epidemic of the contagious disease spread through the region.
Welle
Im Herbst begann eine neue Welle der Krankheit mit vielen zusätzlichen Fällen.
A new wave of the disease began in the fall, with many additional cases.
In real life
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