German word

Grippe

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈgʁɪpə/

Meaning

  • feminine nounflu

Example

Ich habe die Grippe.

I've got the flu.

Illustration for Grippe (flu)

More examples

Ich lasse mich dieses Jahr gegen die Grippe impfen.

I am getting vaccinated against the flu this year.

Core concept

The illness arrives abruptly, taking hold of breathing passages while fever, chills, and severe fatigue overwhelm the body.

Common phrases

  • sich gegen die Grippe impfen lassen

    get vaccinated against the flu

  • die Grippewelle

    flu wave

  • wegen der Grippe zu Hause bleiben

    stay home because of the flu

Similar words

Erkältung: A mild viral illness of the upper airways with a runny nose, sneezing, and light cough.
Fieber: A body temperature above normal, often accompanied by feeling hot or chilled.
Infektion: A state in which viruses or bacteria multiply in the body and cause illness or inflammation.
Virus: A tiny disease-causing agent that reproduces inside living cells.

Definition in German

akute durch Influenzaviren verursachte Atemwegsinfektion mit plötzlichem Fieber, Schüttelfrost und starker Müdigkeit

Word origin

The German noun Grippe comes through French grippe from French gripper, 'to seize', reflecting the illness's sudden hold on the body.

Usage tips

  • Grippe is feminine, so standard illness statements use the article in 'Ich habe die Grippe.'

Opposites

Related words

  • Grippewelleflu wavenoun
  • Grippeschutzflu protectionnoun
  • grippösflu-likeadjective

Word lists with this word