A chronic infectious disease caused by bacteria that is transmitted mainly through sexual contact. It can progress in several stages and, if left untreated, cause serious damage to organs.
example
Dank Antibiotika ist die Syphilis heute heilbar, wenn sie rechtzeitig erkannt wird.
Thanks to antibiotics, syphilis is curable today if it is detected in time.
Usage tips
Medical term
'Syphilis' is the official medical term for this disease. It is used in doctors' offices, hospitals, and scientific texts.
EXAMPLE
In der Vorlesung ging es um die Geschichte und Behandlung der Syphilis.
The lecture was about the history and treatment of syphilis.
Typical verbs
In connection with the disease, the verbs 'sich anstecken mit' (to become infected with), 'erkranken an' (to fall ill with), 'behandeln' (to treat), 'heilen' (to cure), or 'testen auf' (to test for) are often used.
EXAMPLE
Man kann sich beim Arzt auf verschiedene Krankheiten, einschließlich Syphilis, testen lassen.
You can get tested by a doctor for various diseases, including syphilis.
Use without an article
When saying that someone has a disease, the name of the disease is often used without an article. This also applies to syphilis.
EXAMPLE
Der Arzt diagnostizierte bei dem Patienten Syphilis im Frühstadium.
The doctor diagnosed the patient with early-stage syphilis.