cold
die Erkältung, die Erkältungen
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cold
A common, usually harmless infectious illness of the upper respiratory tract, often associated with symptoms such as coughing, a runny nose, and a sore throat.
Ich kann heute nicht kommen, ich habe mir eine starke Erkältung eingefangen.
I can't come today; I've caught a bad cold.
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Erkältungen |
| genitive | der Erkältung |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Erkältung | die Erkältungen |
| accusative | die Erkältung | die Erkältungen |
| dative | der Erkältung | den Erkältungen |
| genitive | der Erkältung | der Erkältungen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
The noun 'die Erkältung' (the cold) comes from the reflexive verb 'sich erkälten' (to catch a cold). Both words originate from the adjective 'kalt' (cold).
Zieh dir eine Jacke an, damit du dich nicht erkältest.
Put on a jacket so you don't catch a cold.
In everyday language, 'die Erkältung' (the cold) is often combined with certain verbs. You can 'haben' (have), 'bekommen' (get), 'sich holen' (catch), or 'auskurieren' (fully recover from) a cold.
Ich glaube, ich bekomme eine Erkältung.
I think I'm getting a cold.
To express that you are getting sick, you use the reflexive verb 'sich erkälten' (to catch a cold). Pay attention to the reflexive pronoun: 'Ich habe mich erkältet.' (I caught a cold.) is correct.
Wo hast du dich denn erkältet?
Where did you catch a cold, then?
flu
Both words refer to a contagious respiratory illness with symptoms such as coughing and feeling unwell. Erkältung is usually a milder, common infection. Grippe means actual influenza and typically has a much more severe course. For an ordinary mild illness, Erkältung is therefore the more suitable term.
Wegen des leichten Schnupfens und Hustens vermutete der Arzt eine Erkältung und empfahl ihr, sich zu schonen.
Because of the slight runny nose and cough, the doctor suspected that she had a cold and advised her to take it easy.
Wegen der starken Glieder- und Kopfschmerzen vermutete der Arzt eine Grippe und empfahl ihr, im Bett zu bleiben.
Because of the severe body aches and headache, the doctor suspected that she had the flu and advised her to stay in bed.
