parasite
Loading your saved state.
parasite
A living organism that lives on or in another organism (the host) and feeds off it, which harms the host.
Die Zecke ist ein Parasit, der Krankheiten übertragen kann.
The tick is a parasite that can transmit diseases.
'Parasit' (parasite) is a masculine noun of the N-declension. This means that it takes the ending '-en' in the genitive, dative, and accusative.
Die Biologin beobachtet das Verhalten des Parasiten.
The biologist observes the behavior of the parasite.
You can recognize the biological meaning from topics such as medicine, nature, or animals. You can recognize the derogatory meaning for a person from the social context, often in connection with criticism of behavior.
Der Fisch ist von einem Parasiten befallen.
The fish is infested with a parasite.
Using the word 'Parasit' (parasite) for a person is a very strong insult. It expresses that someone is seen as harmful to the community.
Ihn als Parasiten der Gesellschaft zu bezeichnen, ist extrem verletzend.
Calling him a parasite on society is extremely hurtful.
innkeeper / host
'der Wirt' and 'der Parasit' are used together in biology, but they mean opposites within the same relationship. The 'Parasit' lives on or in another living organism and feeds off it. This other living organism is the 'Wirt' (host). Learners may confuse the words because they often appear in the same sentence. The important point is: the parasite uses the host, and the host carries or nourishes the parasite.
Der Parasit lebt im Körper des Tieres und schwächt es mit der Zeit.
The parasite lives inside the animal's body and weakens it over time.
Bei manchen Krankheiten ist der Mensch der Wirt für den Parasiten.
In some diseases, humans are the host for the parasite.