German word

Erreger

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛɐ̯ˈʁeːgɐ/

Meaning

  • masculine nounpathogen

Example

Die Identität des Erregers ist noch unklar.

The pathogen's identity is still unclear.

Illustration for Erreger (pathogen)

More examples

Wildtiere können als Reservoir für Erreger dienen.

Wild animals can serve as a reservoir for pathogens.

Core concept

A starter of disease in a body, usually a microbe but sometimes another harmful agent.

Common phrases

  • Übertragung durch Erreger

    transmission by pathogens

  • Reservoir für Erreger

    reservoir for pathogens

  • Maßnahmen gegen Erreger

    measures against pathogens

Similar words

Virus: A tiny particle that multiplies inside host cells and can cause illnesses such as colds or flu.
Bakterium: A single-celled microbe that multiplies by dividing and can cause infection or inflammation.
Pilz: A fungus such as mold or yeast that can grow on or in the body and cause infection.
Parasit: An organism that lives on or in a host, takes nutrients, and can cause disease.

Definition in German

Ein Mikroorganismus oder Stoff, der beim Menschen oder bei Tieren Krankheiten verursacht.

Word origin

Erreger is an agent noun formed from the verb erregen, meaning to stir up or cause, with the suffix -er.

Usage tips

  • Erreger is masculine, and its genitive singular is des Erregers while its plural is Erreger.

Other meanings

  • germnoun
  • infectious agentnoun

Opposites

  • Kommensalecommensalnoun
  • Nützlingbeneficial organismnoun

Related words

  • Erregerreservoirpathogen reservoirnoun
  • Erregerübertragungpathogen transmissionnoun
  • Erregerstammpathogen strainnoun

Word lists with this word