plague
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plague
A highly contagious disease that spreads quickly among people and causes many victims; an epidemic or pandemic.
Im Mittelalter wütete die Pest als schreckliche Seuche in ganz Europa.
In the Middle Ages, the plague raged as a terrible disease throughout Europe.
The verb 'verseuchen' (to contaminate) is derived from 'Seuche' (plague/disease) and means to contaminate something with pathogens or toxic substances. The related adjective is 'verseucht' (contaminated).
Durch den Chemieunfall wurde der ganze Fluss verseucht.
The chemical accident contaminated the entire river.
In connection with diseases, 'Seuche' (plague/disease) is often used with certain verbs. Typical phrases are 'eine Seuche bricht aus' (a plague breaks out), 'eine Seuche wütet' (a plague rages), or 'eine Seuche bekämpfen' (to fight a plague).
Im 14. Jahrhundert brach in Europa eine schreckliche Seuche aus.
In the 14th century, a terrible plague broke out in Europe.
The figurative meaning of 'Seuche' (plague/nuisance) is colloquial and negative. It is used to describe a phenomenon that spreads quickly and is perceived as very annoying.
Diese lauten E-Roller in der Innenstadt sind eine echte Seuche.
Those loud e-scooters downtown are a real plague.
The context makes it clear whether people or animals are affected. If it is a 'Tierseuche' (animal disease), specific diseases such as 'Vogelgrippe' (bird flu) or 'Schweinepest' (swine fever) are often mentioned.
Wegen einer Tierseuche wurde der Bauernhof unter Quarantäne gestellt.
Because of an animal disease, the farm was placed under quarantine.
illness / disease
'Krankheit' and 'Seuche' both refer to something that makes people or animals sick. 'Krankheit' is the normal, general word and can affect a single person. 'Seuche' is used for a very contagious disease that spreads quickly among many people or animals. The word sounds strong and serious. Learners may confuse the words because every 'Seuche' is a 'Krankheit', but not every 'Krankheit' is a 'Seuche'. For a normal cold or an individual diagnosis, it is better to say 'Krankheit'.
Die Seuche breitet sich schnell aus, deshalb werden viele Tiere untersucht.
The disease is spreading quickly, so many animals are being examined.
Der Arzt erkennt die Krankheit früh und beginnt sofort mit der Behandlung.
The doctor detects the illness early and starts treatment immediately.