die  Seuche

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈzɔʏçə/

🦠 What does 'die Seuche' mean?

Die Seuche (noun, feminine) primarily refers to a rapidly and widely spreading, highly contagious infectious disease affecting a large number of people or animals. It's often translated as an epidemic or (historically or for animals) a plague.

Figuratively, die Seuche can also be used for something very negative that spreads quickly and is perceived as a plague (eine Plage) (e.g., a bad habit).

🚨 Attention: The word has a strong negative connotation and is often used in the context of suffering and death.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of 'die Seuche' in Detail

'Die Seuche' is a feminine noun. The plural is 'die Seuchen'.

📝 Example Sentences

• Im Mittelalter wütete die Pest als schreckliche Seuche in Europa.
  (In the Middle Ages, the plague raged as a terrible epidemic in Europe.)
• Die Regierung ergriff Maßnahmen, um die Ausbreitung der Seuche zu verhindern.
  (The government took measures to prevent the spread of the epidemic.)
• Tierärzte kämpfen gegen gefährliche Seuchen wie die Vogelgrippe.
  (Veterinarians fight against dangerous animal diseases like bird flu.)
• Diese Gleichgültigkeit ist eine Seuche, die unsere Gesellschaft befallen hat.
  (This indifference is a plague that has afflicted our society. - figurative meaning)

🗣️ How to use 'die Seuche'?

Die Seuche is mostly used in the context of diseases that spread quickly and uncontrollably, claiming many victims.

• Medical/Biological Context: Here, it directly refers to an epidemic in humans (e.g., cholera, smallpox historically) or animals (e.g., foot-and-mouth disease, swine fever). Example: "Die Behörden warnten vor einer neuen Seuche." (The authorities warned of a new epidemic.)
• Historical Context: Often used in connection with historical epidemics like the plague. Example: "Die Chroniken berichten von verheerenden Seuchen im 14. Jahrhundert." (The chronicles report devastating plagues in the 14th century.)
• Figurative Use: Less common, but possible, to describe a widespread evil or negative development. Example: "Die Korruption breitete sich wie eine Seuche aus." (Corruption spread like a plague.)

Comparison: While 'Epidemie' is more of a neutral, scientific term, 'Seuche' often carries a more emotional, threatening, and sometimes older connotation. 'Pandemie' describes a worldwide epidemic/plague.

🧠 Mnemonics for 'die Seuche'

Article Mnemonic: Imagine a devastating disease spreading – it makes you want to say "Oh die!" (like 'Oh dear!'). This links the feminine article 'die' to the severity.

Meaning Mnemonic: 'Seuche' sounds a bit like the English word 'searcher'. During an epidemic (eine Seuche), everyone is desperately searching for a cure, for safety, for answers.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

Similar, but potentially misleading words:

• Verseuchung: Contamination, e.g., of water or soil with pathogens or toxins. Not the disease itself, but the cause or state of contamination.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Computer eine Seuche bekommen?
(Why did the computer get an epidemic/plague?)

Weil er zu viele Viren-Mails geöffnet hat!
(Because it opened too many virus emails!)

📜 Poem about 'die Seuche'

Ein Schatten schleicht durch Stadt und Land,
(A shadow creeps through city and land,)
Unsichtbar, mit kalter Hand.
(Invisible, with a cold hand.)
Die Seuche naht, ein leiser Hauch,
(The plague approaches, a soft breath,)
Verändert Leben, Brauch um Brauch.
(Changing life, custom by custom.)
Die Furcht geht um, die Hoffnung flieht,
(Fear spreads, hope flees,)
Bis neuer Mut im Herzen glüht.
(Until new courage glows in the heart.)

❓ Riddle

Ich komme schnell und ungefragt,
(I come quickly and unasked,)
Habe Mensch und Tier geplagt.
(Have plagued humans and animals.)
Bin Krankheit, die sich rasant verbreitet,
(Am a disease that spreads rapidly,)
Und vielen großes Leid bereitet.
(And causes great suffering to many.)

Was bin ich?
(What am I?)

(Answer: die Seuche)

💡 Other Interesting Info

Word Origin (Etymology): The word 'Seuche' comes from the Old High German word 'suhha' or 'suht', which generally meant 'sickness' or 'malady'. It is related to 'siech', meaning 'sickly' or 'ailing'.

Compound Words: There are many compound words (Wortzusammensetzungen) with 'Seuche', often naming specific animal diseases:

• Tierseuche (animal epidemic/disease)
• Vogelseuche (avian influenza, bird plague)
• Rinderseuche (cattle plague)
• Schweineseuche (swine fever/plague)
• Bienenseuche (bee disease, e.g., foulbrood)

Sometimes the term is also used metaphorically, e.g., 'Datenseuche' for an uncontrolled spread of data.