An inflammation of the liver, usually caused by viruses (such as hepatitis A, B, or C). It can also be triggered by other factors such as alcohol, medications, or autoimmune diseases.
example
Eine Impfung gegen Hepatitis B wird für medizinisches Personal dringend empfohlen.
Vaccination against hepatitis B is strongly recommended for medical personnel.
Usage tips
Medical term
The word is an international medical term. The ending '-itis' almost always indicates inflammation in German and many other languages, as in 'Bronchitis' (bronchitis) or 'Gastritis' (gastritis).
EXAMPLE
Die Diagnose lautet akute Hepatitis.
The diagnosis is acute hepatitis.
Typical verbs
Common verbs used in connection with hepatitis are 'haben' (to have), 'bekommen' (to get), or 'an etwas erkranken' (to fall ill with something). You can also say 'sich mit Hepatitis anstecken' (to become infected with hepatitis) or 'sich gegen Hepatitis impfen lassen' (to get vaccinated against hepatitis).
EXAMPLE
Reisende in bestimmte Länder sollten sich gegen Hepatitis A impfen lassen.
Travelers to certain countries should get vaccinated against hepatitis A.
Specific types
The different forms of the disease are usually distinguished by a letter after the word. People speak of 'Hepatitis A' (hepatitis A), 'Hepatitis B' (hepatitis B), and so on.