pathogen
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pathogen
A microorganism (such as a bacterium, virus, or fungus) or a parasite that can cause a disease.
Das Immunsystem des Körpers kämpft ständig gegen Krankheitserreger.
The body's immune system constantly fights against pathogens.
The word is made up of three parts: 'Krankheit' (illness/disease) + linking s + 'Erreger' (causative agent). An 'Erreger' is something that triggers or causes a reaction. A Krankheitserreger is therefore literally a 'causer of diseases'.
Viren und Bakterien sind bekannte Krankheitserreger.
Viruses and bacteria are well-known pathogens.
'Krankheitserreger' (pathogen) is a scientific and medical technical term. It is used mainly in formal, technical, or educated-language contexts.
Der Arzt erklärte, wie sich der Krankheitserreger im Körper ausbreitet.
The doctor explained how the pathogen spreads through the body.
Common verbs used with 'Krankheitserreger' (pathogen) are 'übertragen' (to transmit), 'bekämpfen' (to fight), 'nachweisen' (to detect/prove), and 'sich schützen vor' (to protect oneself from).
Händewaschen hilft, sich vor Krankheitserregern zu schützen.
Washing your hands helps protect you from pathogens.
germ / sprout
Keim and Krankheitserreger can both refer to a microorganism that can cause a disease. Keim is a more general and often less precise term, while Krankheitserreger explicitly emphasizes its disease-causing role and can also include a parasite. For a precise designation, Krankheitserreger is therefore more suitable.
Das Labor untersuchte, welcher Krankheitserreger die Infektion verursacht hatte.
The laboratory examined which pathogen had caused the infection.
Die Reinigung soll verhindern, dass gefährliche Keime in die Wunde gelangen.
The cleaning is intended to prevent dangerous germs from getting into the wound.
