01
das Fieber
fever
An increase in body temperature above the normal level, usually a sign of illness.
example
Das Kind hat 39 Grad Fieber und muss im Bett bleiben.
The child has a fever of 39 degrees and has to stay in bed.
das Fieber
fever
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clue
The literal meaning of 'Fieber' (fever) always refers to an illness. The figurative meaning describes strong, often collective excitement or enthusiasm for a particular topic or event.
EXAMPLE
Wegen des hohen Fiebers durfte er nicht zur Schule gehen.
Because of the high fever, he was not allowed to go to school.
Typical verbs
When talking about the illness, the most common verbs are 'Fieber haben' (to have a fever), 'Fieber bekommen' (to develop a fever), and 'Fieber messen' (to take someone's temperature). To reduce the temperature, you say 'das Fieber senken' (to reduce the fever).
EXAMPLE
Ich glaube, ich bekomme Fieber.
I think I'm developing a fever.
Compound words
In its figurative meaning, 'Fieber' (fever) is often part of compound nouns. Examples include 'das Fußballfieber' (football fever), 'das Reisefieber' (travel fever), or 'das Goldfieber' (gold fever), which describe great enthusiasm for something.
EXAMPLE
Jedes Mal vor einer großen Reise packt mich das Reisefieber.
Every time before a big trip, I get travel fever.
Compare with
Fieber vs Temperatur
temperature
'die Temperatur' and 'das Fieber' can mean almost the same thing in the context of illness. When someone says 'Ich habe Temperatur' (I have a temperature), they often mean that their body temperature is too high, in other words that they have a fever. 'das Fieber' is the more precise and normal word for this. However, 'die Temperatur' can also simply be a measured value, for example outside, in a room, or on the body. In medical situations, 'Fieber' is clearer when you are talking about an abnormally elevated body temperature.
Fieber
Nach der Nacht ist das Fieber endlich gesunken.
After the night, the fever has finally gone down.
Temperatur
Das Kind hat heute erhöhte Temperatur und bleibt zu Hause.
The child has an elevated temperature today and is staying home.
In real life
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