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' and 'erkältet' both describe that someone is not doing well health-wise. 'krank' is the general word and can refer to many different illnesses. 'erkältet' is more specific: it refers to having a cold, so for example a runny nose, cough, or sore throat. Learners may confuse the words because a person who has a cold is also sick. But not every sick person has a cold. If you do not know the exact type of illness or do not want to name it, 'krank' fits. With a cough and runny nose, 'erkältet' is more precise.
Vor dem Termin ist Lena erkältet und spricht nur leise.
Before the appointment, Lena has a cold and only speaks quietly.
Du siehst krank aus; geh lieber nach Hause und ruh dich aus.
You look sick; you should go home and rest.