having a cold
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having a cold
Suffering from a cold, a mild infection of the upper respiratory tract. Typical symptoms are a runny nose, cough, and sore throat.
Ich kann heute nicht zur Arbeit kommen, ich bin stark erkältet.
I can't come to work today; I have a bad cold.
'Erkältet' (having a cold) is formally the past participle of the reflexive verb 'sich erkälten' (to catch a cold). It describes the state that occurs after one has become ill.
Ich glaube, ich habe mich gestern im Regen erkältet.
I think I caught a cold in the rain yesterday.
The adjective is almost always used predicatively with the verb 'sein' (to be). The most common and natural phrasing is 'Ich bin erkältet' (I have a cold).
Bleib lieber zu Hause, wenn du erkältet bist.
You'd better stay home if you have a cold.
The related verb is reflexive: 'sich erkälten' (to catch a cold). Don't forget the reflexive pronoun (mich, dich, sich, etc.) when describing the process of becoming ill.
Zieh dir eine Jacke an, damit du dich nicht erkältest!
Put on a jacket so you don't catch a cold!
sick
Krank generally describes someone who is not physically or mentally healthy. Erkältet is more specific and is used only for a cold with typical symptoms such as a cough, runny nose, or sore throat. When the type of illness is not specified, use krank.
Mara ist erkältet, hustet und bleibt deshalb heute zu Hause.
Mara has a cold, is coughing, and is therefore staying home today.
Mara ist krank und bleibt deshalb heute zu Hause.
Mara is sick and is therefore staying home today.
