der Wirt
innkeeper
A man who owns or runs a pub, inn, or restaurant.
EXAMPLE
Der Wirt brachte uns persönlich die Speisekarte.
The innkeeper personally brought us the menu.
der Wirt
innkeeper / host
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Meanings
der Wirt
host
In biology, a living organism that allows another organism (a parasite or symbiont) to live in or on it and provides it with nourishment.
EXAMPLE
Der Mensch ist der einzige bekannte Wirt für dieses spezielle Virus.
Humans are the only known host for this particular virus.
Usage tips
Word family
The word 'Wirt' is related to the verb 'bewirten' (to serve guests food and drink) and the noun 'Wirtschaft' (another word for a pub or inn).
EXAMPLE
Wir wurden vom Wirt freundlich bewirtet.
We were served warmly by the innkeeper.
Cultural context
The term 'Wirt' for the operator of a pub or inn is traditional and especially common in southern Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It often has a cozy, personal feel.
EXAMPLE
Der Wirt kennt alle seine Stammgäste mit Namen.
The innkeeper knows all his regular customers by name.
Context clue
You can recognize the biological meaning from the context. If 'Parasiten' (parasites), 'Viren' (viruses), 'Bakterien' (bacteria), or 'Organismen' (organisms) are being discussed, the biological host is meant. In the context of 'Gaststätte' (pub/restaurant), 'Bier' (beer), or 'Essen' (food), it refers to the restaurant or pub owner.
EXAMPLE
Mücken können als Wirt für verschiedene Krankheitserreger dienen.
Mosquitoes can serve as hosts for various pathogens.
Compare with
Wirt vs Träger
sponsor / carrier
For a pathogen, Träger highlights its presence and possible transmission, often without symptoms in the carrier. Wirt places more emphasis on the living being in which another organism lives and from which it receives nourishment. Choose “Träger” for the carrier and “Wirt” for the living and feeding relationship.
Wirt
Das Tier ist der Wirt des Parasiten, der in seinem Körper lebt und von ihm ernährt wird.
The animal is the parasite’s host; the parasite lives in its body and is nourished by it.
Träger
Obwohl sie gesund wirkte, war sie eine Trägerin des Erregers und konnte ihn weitergeben.
Although she appeared healthy, she was a carrier of the pathogen and could pass it on.
In real life
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