German word

Erkältung

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛɐ̯ˈkɛltʊŋ/

Meaning

  • feminine nouncold

Example

Im Winter bekomme ich oft eine Erkältung.

I often get a cold in winter.

Illustration for Erkältung (cold)

More examples

Er sollte zu Hause bleiben und seine Erkältung auskurieren.

He should stay at home and fully recover from his cold.

Core concept

A temporary nose-and-throat setback marked by a runny nose, cough, or scratchy throat.

Common phrases

  • eine Erkältung auskurieren

    fully recover from a cold

  • sich von einer Erkältung erholen

    get over a cold

  • auf Symptome einer Erkältung achten

    pay attention to symptoms of a cold

Similar words

Schnupfen: A runny or blocked nose caused by irritation or infection.
Husten: A reflex that clears irritation from the throat or airways.
Grippe: An acute viral infection marked by high fever and severe fatigue.
Fieber: A body temperature that is higher than normal.

Definition in German

Ein gewöhnlicher Infekt der oberen Atemwege mit laufender Nase, Husten oder Halsschmerzen.

Word origin

Erkältung is formed from the verb erkälten, which is based on the adjective kalt, with the noun-forming suffix -ung.

Usage tips

  • Erkältung is feminine, so standard phrases include 'eine Erkältung' and 'mit einer Erkältung'.

Opposites

Related words

  • Erkältungsviruscommon-cold virusnoun
  • erkältungsanfälligprone to coldsadjective

Word lists with this word