die
Körpertemperatur
🌡️ What Exactly is *die Körpertemperatur*?
Die Körpertemperatur means body temperature, referring to the internal temperature of a living organism, especially humans or animals. It's an important indicator of health status (Gesundheitszustand). In humans, the normal core body temperature (*Körperkerntemperatur*) is typically between 36.5 °C and 37.5 °C (97.7 °F and 99.5 °F). It is usually measured (gemessen) rectally, orally, axillary (under the armpit - unter der Achsel), or in the ear (im Ohr).
Deviations (Abweichungen) from the normal body temperature can indicate illness:
- Fieber (Fever): An elevated body temperature, often a response to infections (Infektionen).
- Unterkühlung (Hypothermia): A dangerously low body temperature.
Since there is only die Körpertemperatur, there's no risk of confusion regarding the article. It's a feminine noun (Femininum).
Article rules for der, die, and das
-ur/-ür → mostly feminine.
Caution: -eur nouns are usually masculine (e.g. der Ingenieur).
🧐 Grammar in Detail: *Die Körpertemperatur*
The word "Körpertemperatur" is a feminine noun. The article is always "die". It is mainly used in the singular (Singular), as one usually refers to the single body temperature of a person. The plural (Plural) ("die Körpertemperaturen") is possible, for example, when comparing the temperatures of different people or measurements over time.
Singular Declension
| Case | Article | Noun | English Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Körpertemperatur | the body temperature |
| Genitive | der | Körpertemperatur | of the body temperature |
| Dative | der | Körpertemperatur | to/for the body temperature |
| Accusative | die | Körpertemperatur | the body temperature |
Plural Declension
| Case | Article | Noun | English Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Körpertemperaturen | the body temperatures |
| Genitive | der | Körpertemperaturen | of the body temperatures |
| Dative | den | Körpertemperaturen | to/for the body temperatures |
| Accusative | die | Körpertemperaturen | the body temperatures |
💬 Example Sentences
- Die Körpertemperatur des Patienten ist leicht erhöht.
(The patient's body temperature is slightly elevated.) - Bitte messen Sie Ihre Körpertemperatur dreimal täglich.
(Please measure your body temperature three times a day.) - Schwankungen der Körpertemperatur können normal sein.
(Fluctuations in body temperature can be normal.) - Die Ärztin notierte die Körpertemperaturen aller Kinder in der Gruppe.
(The doctor noted the body temperatures of all children in the group.)
💡 How to Use '*Körpertemperatur*'?
The term die Körpertemperatur is primarily used in medical (medizinisch), biological (biologisch), and sports science (sportwissenschaftlich) contexts.
- In everyday life (Im Alltag): People talk about it when they suspect or measure a fever ("Ich messe mal meine Körpertemperatur." - I'll just measure my body temperature.).
- In medicine (In der Medizin): A key vital sign (Vitalparameter) for diagnosing and monitoring illnesses (Krankheiten). Doctors and nurses regularly measure and document body temperature.
- In biology (In der Biologie): Used to describe thermoregulation in different living beings (e.g., warm-blooded vs. cold-blooded animals - gleichwarme vs. wechselwarme Tiere).
- In sports (Im Sport): Relevant for performance (Leistungsfähigkeit) and preventing overheating (Überhitzung) or hypothermia (Unterkühlung).
Related terms include Fieber (fever), Unterkühlung (hypothermia), and Körperkerntemperatur (core body temperature - the temperature deep inside the body, often more accurate than surface temperature).
🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids
Article Mnemonic: Temperature is a measure of heat. Think of feminine words like 'die Hitze' (the heat) or 'die Wärme' (the warmth) – they share the feminine article 'die' with 'die Körpertemperatur'.
Meaning Mnemonic: The word is a compound of 'Körper' (body) and 'Temperatur' (temperature). It literally means 'body temperature'. Easy to remember!
🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
- Leibestemperatur: Slightly dated, but synonymous. ('Leib' is an older word for body).
- Körperwärme: Refers more to body heat emission, but often used similarly.
- Temperatur: Often sufficient in context if it's clear body temperature is meant ("Hast du Temperatur?" - Do you have a temperature? / Do you have a fever?).
Antonyms (Opposites):
There isn't a direct antonym. However, contrasts can be drawn:
- Umgebungstemperatur: Ambient temperature (the temperature of the surroundings).
- Fieberfreiheit: The state of having a normal body temperature after a fever ('freedom from fever').
- Unterkühlung vs. Überhitzung: Hypothermia vs. hyperthermia/overheating (extreme states of body temperature).
⚠️ Similar but Different Terms:
- Hauttemperatur: Skin temperature, which can fluctuate more than core body temperature.
- Fieber: Is a condition of elevated body temperature, not the temperature measurement itself.
😂 A Little Joke
Warum hat das Thermometer schlechte Laune?
Weil es ständig seine Körpertemperatur messen muss und nie krankfeiern darf!
(Why is the thermometer in a bad mood?
Because it constantly has to measure its body temperature and never gets a sick day!)
📜 Poem about *Körpertemperatur*
Mal heiß, mal kalt, ein stetes Maß,
die Körpertemperatur, ohn' Unterlass.
Sie zeigt uns an, ob's uns gut geht,
ob Fieber naht, ob Kälte weht.
Ein Wert so klein, doch wichtig sehr,
für unser Wohl, tagaus, tagein, und mehr.
(Sometimes hot, sometimes cold, a constant measure,
the body temperature, without cease.
It shows us if we are well,
if fever approaches, if cold blows.
A value so small, yet very important,
for our well-being, day in, day out, and more.)
❓ Riddle
Ich habe keinen Mund, doch sag' dir viel,
ob du gesund bist, ist mein Ziel.
Mal steig ich hoch, mal fall ich tief,
bin oft entscheidend, wenn der Arzt dich rief.
Was bin ich?
(I have no mouth, yet tell you much,
whether you are healthy is my aim.
Sometimes I rise high, sometimes I fall low,
I'm often crucial when the doctor called you.)
(Answer: Die Körpertemperatur / Body temperature)
🤓 Interesting Facts
Word Composition
The word "Körpertemperatur" is a compound noun, made up of:
- der Körper: the body
- die Temperatur: the temperature
Trivia
- Average human body temperature has slightly decreased over the past few decades.
- Animals have different normal temperatures (e.g., birds often above 40 °C / 104 °F).
- Body temperature fluctuates throughout the day (circadian rhythm), usually lowest in the morning.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Körpertemperatur?
The correct article for Körpertemperatur is always die. It is a feminine noun. Example: Die Körpertemperatur ist normal (The body temperature is normal).