der Gastgeber
host
A person who has invited guests to their home and takes care of their food, drink, and well-being.
EXAMPLE
Der Gastgeber begrüßte jeden Gast persönlich an der Tür.
The host greeted each guest personally at the door.
der Gastgeber
host
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Meanings
der Gastgeber
host
A country, city, or organization that hosts an event such as the Olympic Games or a conference.
EXAMPLE
Deutschland war ein hervorragender Gastgeber für die Fußball-Weltmeisterschaft 2006.
Germany was an excellent host for the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
der Gastgeber
host
(Biology) An organism that carries another organism (a parasite, symbiont, or pathogen) in or on itself and provides it with habitat and food.
EXAMPLE
Der Mensch ist der einzige bekannte Gastgeber für dieses spezielle Virus.
Humans are the only known host for this particular virus.
Usage tips
Word composition
The word is made up of 'Gast' (guest) and 'geben' (to give). A 'Gastgeber' (host) is therefore literally someone who gives something to their guests, for example food, drink, and accommodation.
EXAMPLE
Ein guter Gastgeber sorgt dafür, dass sich seine Gäste wohlfühlen.
A good host makes sure that their guests feel comfortable.
Typical collocations
Common phrases are 'ein guter/schlechter Gastgeber sein' (to be a good/bad host), 'die Rolle des Gastgebers übernehmen' (to take on the role of host), and 'sich bei den Gastgebern bedanken' (to thank the hosts).
EXAMPLE
Wir möchten uns bei euch für den schönen Abend bedanken, ihr wart tolle Gastgeber.
We would like to thank you for the lovely evening; you were wonderful hosts.
Context clue
You can recognize this meaning from the context of large, organized events. The words 'Gastgeberland' (host country) or 'Gastgeberstadt' (host city) are often used here as well.
EXAMPLE
Paris ist der Gastgeber der nächsten Olympischen Spiele.
Paris is the host of the next Olympic Games.
Register: technical language
In the biological or medical meaning, 'Gastgeber' (host) is a technical term. You can recognize it from words such as 'Virus' (virus), 'Parasit' (parasite), 'Organismus' (organism), or 'Wirt' (host) in the same context.
EXAMPLE
Die Fledermaus gilt als möglicher Gastgeber des Virus.
The bat is considered a possible host of the virus.
Compare with
Gastgeber vs Träger
sponsor / carrier
For a pathogen, Träger mainly refers to the living being that carries it and often shows no symptoms itself. Gastgeber, by contrast, emphasizes that the pathogen finds habitat and nourishment in or on this organism. Therefore, use “Träger” for an asymptomatic carrier and “Gastgeber” for the biological relationship.
Gastgeber
Der Körper ist der Gastgeber des Erregers, der darin Lebensraum und Nahrung findet.
The body is the pathogen’s host, providing it with habitat and nourishment.
Träger
Der Mann war ein symptomloser Träger des Erregers und konnte andere Menschen anstecken.
The man was an asymptomatic carrier of the pathogen and could infect other people.
In real life
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