immunity
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immunity
The biological state of the body being protected by its own defense system against a specific infectious disease, e.g. after vaccination or after having had the disease.
Nach der vollständigen Impfung besteht eine hohe Immunität gegen das Virus.
After full vaccination, there is a high level of immunity against the virus.
'Immunität' (immunity) is the noun corresponding to the adjective 'immun' (immune). The ending '-ität' is often used for abstract nouns that describe a quality or state.
Nach der Krankheit war er immun gegen das Virus.
After the illness, he was immune to the virus.
'Immunität' (immunity) is almost always used with the preposition 'gegen' (against) and the accusative. This expresses what the protection is against.
Er hat eine Immunität gegen diese Krankheit entwickelt.
He has developed immunity to this disease.
You can recognize the biological meaning from words from the medical field such as 'Krankheit' (disease), 'Virus' (virus), 'Impfung' (vaccination), 'Antikörper' (antibodies), or 'Abwehrsystem' (immune defense system).
Die Impfung sorgt für eine langanhaltende Immunität.
The vaccination provides long-lasting immunity.
In a legal context, the verbs are decisive. One 'genießt' (enjoys) or 'hat' (has) immunity. When this protection is removed, immunity is 'aufgehoben' (lifted).
Der Politiker genießt parlamentarische Immunität.
The politician enjoys parliamentary immunity.
In the figurative meaning, 'Immunität' (immunity) is often combined with negative social or psychological influences. Typical phrases are 'Immunität gegen Kritik' (immunity to criticism), 'gegen Beleidigungen' (to insults), or 'gegen Stress' (to stress).
Mit der Zeit entwickelte er eine Immunität gegen die ständigen Beschwerden.
Over time, he developed immunity to the constant complaints.
defense
'die Abwehr' and 'die Immunität' both have to do with protecting the body from disease. 'Abwehr' means the body’s ability or activity of recognizing and fighting pathogens. 'Immunität' refers more to the state of being protected against a specific disease, for example after a vaccination. So you can say: 'die Abwehr' works against pathogens in general, while 'Immunität' is a special protection against a specific infection. Learners confuse the words because both occur in health contexts.
Durch die Impfung hat Paula eine Immunität gegen die Krankheit aufgebaut.
Through the vaccination, Paula has developed immunity against the disease.
Nach der Erkältung ist seine Abwehr noch etwas schwach.
After the cold, his immune defense is still a little weak.