das  Immunsystem

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɪmuːnˌzʏsˈteːm/

🛡️ What is 'das Immunsystem'?

Das Immunsystem is the German word for the immune system. It refers to the biological defense system of a living organism that prevents tissue damage caused by pathogens (like bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites). It also removes foreign substances and pathologically altered endogenous cells (e.g., tumor cells) from the organism.

It's a complex network of specialized cells (like leukocytes), tissues (e.g., bone marrow, thymus, lymph nodes), and molecules (like antibodies and cytokines) that work together in a coordinated manner to protect the body from infections and diseases.

The word is almost exclusively used with the neuter article das.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Deep Dive: Declension of 'Immunsystem'

The noun "Immunsystem" is neuter and uses the article das. It is declined as follows:

Singular

Plural

The plural "die Immunsysteme" (the immune systems) is used less frequently, mostly in scientific contexts when comparing different types of immune systems.

Example Sentences

1. Ein starkes Immunsystem schützt vor vielen Krankheiten.
   (A strong immune system protects against many diseases.)
2. Die Funktion des Immunsystems ist sehr komplex.
   (The function of the immune system is very complex.)
3. Mit Vitamin C kann man dem Immunsystem helfen.
   (You can help the immune system with Vitamin C.)
4. Stress kann das Immunsystem schwächen.
   (Stress can weaken the immune system.)
5. Forscher untersuchen die verschiedenen Immunsysteme im Tierreich.
   (Researchers study the various immune systems in the animal kingdom.)

💡 How is 'Immunsystem' used?

Das Immunsystem is a key term in medicine, biology, and everyday conversations about health.

• Medical Context: Doctors and scientists discuss the functioning, disorders (e.g., Autoimmunerkrankungen - autoimmune diseases), and strengthening of the Immunsystem.
• Everyday Language: People often talk about "strengthening" (stärken) or "supporting" (unterstützen) their Immunsystem, especially during the cold season, to prevent colds (Erkältungen).
• Metaphorically: Less commonly, the term might be used metaphorically for defense mechanisms in other systems (e.g., the 'Immunsystem' of an organization against harmful influences), but this is unusual.

There is little risk of confusion as the term is very specific. Sometimes synonyms like Abwehrsystem (defense system) or körpereigene Abwehr (body's own defense) are used.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

For the Article: Think of "das System". Many compound German nouns ending in "-system" are neuter (das): das Nervensystem (nervous system), das Ökosystem (ecosystem), das Betriebssystem (operating system)... and also das Immunsystem. The 'system' part dictates the 'das'.

For the Meaning: Imagine an internal army (a System) that makes you immune to attackers. This army constantly patrols and fights off invaders. That's your Immunsystem!

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

😂 A Little Joke

Warum hat das Immunsystem nie Langeweile?

Weil es ständig Viren jagt und Bakterien bekämpft – es ist immer "im Dienst"! 😄

Translation:

Why is the immune system never bored?

Because it's constantly chasing viruses and fighting bacteria – it's always "on duty"! 😄

📜 A Little Poem

Tief im Innern, unsichtbar und schlau,
wirkt das Immunsystem, Tag und Nacht, genau.
Es kämpft die Kämpfer, wehrt den Feind geschwind,
damit wir stark und stets gesund sind.

Ein Netzwerk fein, aus Zell und Saft,
gibt unsrem Körper Schutz und Kraft.
Drum pfleg es gut, mit Schlaf und Sport,
dann hält es Wache fort und fort.

Translation:

Deep inside, unseen and clever,
works the immune system, day and night, ever.
It fights the fighters, wards off the foe fast,
so that we are strong and healthy always, to last.

A network fine, of cell and juice,
gives our body protection and truce.
So tend it well, with sleep and sport,
then it will keep guard, forth and forth.

❓ A Little Riddle

Ich bin ein System, doch ohne Kabel und Strom,
Ich schütze dein Leben, in jedem Atom.
Ich kämpfe im Stillen, Tag aus und Tag ein,
Gegen Viren und Keime, lass' sie nicht herein.

Wer bin ich? ... Das Immunsystem

Translation:

I am a system, but without cables or power,
I protect your life, in every single hour.
I fight in silence, day out and day in,
Against viruses and germs, I don't let them in.

What am I?
... The immune system

🧩 Additional Info

Word Composition (Wortzusammensetzung):

The word "Immunsystem" is a compound noun, formed from:

• Immun: Derived from the Latin word immunis, meaning "exempt from (public) duties", "untouched", "pure", or in a medical sense, "insusceptible to infection".
• System: Derived from the Greek word systema (σύστημα), meaning "that which is put together", "the composite".

Together, it describes a "system that makes immune" or a "system of insusceptibility".

Trivia:

• The human immune system can "remember" past infections, which is the basis for vaccinations (Impfungen).
• Stress (Stress) and lack of sleep (Schlafmangel) can demonstrably weaken the immune system.