der Krebs
cancer
A serious disease in which body cells multiply uncontrollably and destroy healthy tissue.
EXAMPLE
Die Forschung macht große Fortschritte bei der Behandlung von Krebs.
Research is making great progress in the treatment of cancer.
der Krebs
cancer / crab
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
der Krebs
crab / crayfish
A crustacean that usually lives in water and has a shell and claws.
EXAMPLE
Am Strand haben wir einen kleinen Krebs gefunden, der sich im Sand vergraben hat.
At the beach, we found a small crab that had buried itself in the sand.
der Krebs
Cancer
The fourth sign of the zodiac in astrology, or the corresponding constellation in the sky.
EXAMPLE
Mein Bruder ist im Juli geboren, sein Sternzeichen ist Krebs.
My brother was born in July; his zodiac sign is Cancer.
Usage tips
Context clue
Since 'Krebs' has several meanings, context is crucial. In a medical context (doctor, hospital), it refers to the disease. In nature, by the sea, or in a restaurant, it refers to the animal. In conversations about birthdays and horoscopes, it refers to the zodiac sign.
EXAMPLE
Die Ärzte konnten den Krebs erfolgreich behandeln.
The doctors were able to treat the cancer successfully.
Typical collocations
In connection with the disease, the preposition 'an' is often used, for example in 'an Krebs erkranken' (to develop cancer) or 'an Krebs sterben' (to die of cancer). You can also say that someone 'Krebs hat' (has cancer).
EXAMPLE
Leider ist er schon jung an Krebs erkrankt.
Unfortunately, he developed cancer at a young age.
Use in the plural
When talking about the animals, the plural form 'die Krebse' (the crabs/crayfish) is often used, especially when it is about catching or eating them.
EXAMPLE
In diesem Restaurant kann man frische Krebse essen.
You can eat fresh crayfish in this restaurant.
Fixed expression
When it is about the zodiac sign, 'Krebs' (Cancer) is often used in the fixed expression 'vom Sternzeichen Krebs sein' (to be Cancer by zodiac sign) or as an answer to the question about someone's zodiac sign.
EXAMPLE
„Was ist dein Sternzeichen?“ – „Ich bin Krebs.“
'What is your zodiac sign?' — 'I'm Cancer.'
Compare with
Krebs vs Tumor
tumor
Krebs and Tumor can both be associated with uncontrolled cell growth. Tumor initially refers to a growth of tissue and can be benign or malignant, whereas Krebs means a malignant disease. For a general medical finding, “Tumor” is appropriate; for a confirmed malignant disease, “Krebs” is appropriate.
Krebs
Die Untersuchung zeigte, dass der Krebs bereits behandelt werden muss.
The examination showed that the cancer already needed to be treated.
Tumor
Die Untersuchung zeigte einen Tumor, der nicht bösartig war.
The examination showed a tumor that was not malignant.
In real life
Loading video examples...