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
das Fieber
fever
In a figurative sense, a state of great excitement, tension, or enthusiastic anticipation.
EXAMPLE
Vor der Weltmeisterschaft packte das ganze Land das Fußball-Fieber.
Before the World Cup, the whole country was gripped by football fever.
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
For a sick person, Temperatur gives the elevated measured value and is normally specified by a number or other detail. Fieber refers to the illness itself and does not require a specific measurement. Use „Temperatur“ when reporting the result and „Fieber“ when referring to the condition.
Fieber
Das Kind hat seit dem Morgen Fieber und bleibt deshalb im Bett.
The child has had a fever since this morning and is therefore staying in bed.
Temperatur
Die Temperatur des Kindes liegt seit dem Morgen bei 39 Grad.
The child’s temperature has been 39 degrees since this morning.
In real life
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