der  Infekt

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɪnˈfɛkt/

🦠 What does "der Infekt" mean?

Der Infekt (masculine) generally refers to an infection with pathogens (like viruses or bacteria) and the resulting, usually short-term illness. Colloquially, the term is often used for a common cold or a flu-like illness (grippaler Infekt).

In contrast to the more specific term die Infektion (which describes the process of pathogens entering the body), der Infekt more often refers to the noticeable illness itself.

⚠️ Attention: Although related, der Infekt (the illness) is not the same as die Infektion (the process of getting infected).

📚 Grammar of "der Infekt" in Detail

The noun "Infekt" is masculine. Here are the declension tables:

Example Sentences 📝

• Ein leichter Infekt zwang ihn, zu Hause zu bleiben.
  (A mild infection forced him to stay home.)
• Die Ärztin diagnostizierte einen grippalen Infekt.
  (The doctor diagnosed a flu-like infection.)
• Wegen des Infekts fühlte sie sich sehr schlapp.
  (Because of the infection, she felt very weak.)
• Er hat sich schon wieder einen Infekt eingefangen.
  (He has caught another infection already.)
• Die Zahl der Atemwegsinfekte steigt im Winter an.
  (The number of respiratory infections increases in winter.)

💡 How "der Infekt" is used

"Der Infekt" is commonly used in everyday language and medicine to describe a less severe, often viral illness.

• General illness: "Ich habe mir einen Infekt geholt." (Often means having caught a cold or stomach flu.)
• Grippaler Infekt: A very common usage, referring to a cold or flu-like illness.
• Distinction from "Infektion": While you might say "Er hat einen Infekt" (He has an illness/infection), you would more likely say "Er leidet an einer Infektion der oberen Atemwege" (He suffers from an infection of the upper respiratory tract). Der Infekt is often the resulting, noticeable illness, while die Infektion refers to the process or a more specific, sometimes more serious condition.
• Compounds: Often found in compound words like Harnwegsinfekt (urinary tract infection), Magen-Darm-Infekt (gastrointestinal infection), Atemwegsinfekt (respiratory infection).

People rarely speak of a "schwerer Infekt" (severe infection); in such cases, the specific name of the disease (e.g., Lungenentzündung - pneumonia) or "schwere Infektion" (severe infection) would typically be used.

🧠 Mnemonics for "der Infekt"

For the article 'der': Imagine a male doctor (der Doktor) sternly saying, "You have der Infekt!" Associating it with a typically male role (in a traditional mnemonic sense) can help remember 'der'.

For the meaning: Think of how an illness can 'infect' your plans. Der Infekt disrupts your day, just like something unwanted 'infects' your routine.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

🚨 Similar Words / Risk of Confusion:

• Die Infektion: (feminine) Refers more specifically to the invasion and multiplication of pathogens in the body. It can imply a more serious condition or focus on the process. Der Infekt is often the resulting, noticeable illness.
• Die Inflammation: (feminine) This means inflammation, a bodily response that can occur even without infection.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum nehmen Viren keinen Urlaub?

(Why don't viruses take vacations?)

Weil sie sonst einen Infekt bekommen könnten, im Büro zu bleiben!

(Because they might catch an infection from staying in the office!)

📜 Poem about "der Infekt"

Ein Niesen hier, ein Kratzen dort,
Der Infekt kam an diesen Ort.
Die Nase läuft, der Kopf tut weh,
Ich bleibe heut' im Bett, o weh!
Doch Ruh und Tee, das hilft geschwind,
Bald bin ich wieder frohgesinnt.

---

A sneeze right here, a scratch right there,
The infection came, beyond compare.
The nose runs free, the head feels sore,
I'll stay in bed today, what's more!
But rest and tea will quickly aid,
Soon cheerful feelings are remade.

🧩 Riddle

Ich komme oft im Winter an,
Mach' müde Frau und müden Mann.
Manchmal heiß, manchmal nur kalt,
Ich bin zum Glück nicht oft von Dauer, nur kurz halt'.
Der Doktor sagt's, es ist kein Scherz,
Ich bringe Husten, Schnupfen, Schmerz.

Was bin ich?

---

I often arrive in winter's chill,
Making tired women and men feel ill.
Sometimes I'm hot, sometimes just cold,
Luckily, my stay is brief, not long I'm told.
The doctor says it, it's no jest,
I bring coughs, sniffles, pain, and the rest.

What am I?

Solution: der Infekt (the infection/illness)

🌐 Other Information

Word Origin: The word "Infekt" is a shortening of "Infektion" and derives from the Latin word inficere, meaning “to infect,” “to poison,” or “to put into” (past participle passive: infectus).

Compound Words: Common compound words include:

• Grippaler Infekt (flu-like illness)
• Magen-Darm-Infekt (gastrointestinal infection)
• Harnwegsinfekt (urinary tract infection - UTI)
• Atemwegsinfekt (respiratory infection)
• Virusinfekt (viral infection)
• Sommerinfekt (summer infection/cold)