Bedeutung
Expressing that one is unwell.
Kultureller Hintergrund
In Spain, 'estar de baja' is the official term for being on sick leave from work. People are quite open about their health. The phrase 'Sana sana, colita de rana' is a famous nursery rhyme said to children when they are sick or hurt. Argentines might use 'estar descompuesto' specifically for stomach issues or feeling faint. Chamomile tea (manzanilla) is considered the universal remedy for being 'enfermo'.
Gender Check
Always check your ending! If you are a woman, it's 'enferma'. This is the #1 mistake for beginners.
Ser vs Estar
Using 'Soy enfermo' can accidentally mean you are a 'pervert' in some slang contexts. Stick to 'Estoy'!
Bedeutung
Expressing that one is unwell.
Gender Check
Always check your ending! If you are a woman, it's 'enferma'. This is the #1 mistake for beginners.
Ser vs Estar
Using 'Soy enfermo' can accidentally mean you are a 'pervert' in some slang contexts. Stick to 'Estoy'!
Add 'un poco'
If you aren't very sick, say 'Estoy un poco enfermo' to sound more natural and less dramatic.
The Response
If someone tells you they are sick, always reply with '¡Que te mejores!' It's the polite thing to do.
Teste dich selbst
Choose the correct form for a woman saying she is sick.
Yo ____ ______.
Women must use the feminine ending '-a' and the temporary verb 'estoy'.
Fill in the missing verb.
Nosotros ______ enfermos hoy.
The plural form for 'we' with the verb 'estar' is 'estamos'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are at the doctor and he asks how you are.
This is the standard way to report your health status to a professional.
Complete the dialogue.
Amigo: ¿Quieres ir al cine? Tú: No, lo siento, ______ ______.
You are declining an invitation because you (singular) are sick.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Ser vs Estar with Enfermo
Common Symptoms
Symptoms
- • Fiebre
- • Tos
- • Dolor
- • Cansancio
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenYo ____ ______.
Women must use the feminine ending '-a' and the temporary verb 'estoy'.
Nosotros ______ enfermos hoy.
The plural form for 'we' with the verb 'estar' is 'estamos'.
You are at the doctor and he asks how you are.
This is the standard way to report your health status to a professional.
Amigo: ¿Quieres ir al cine? Tú: No, lo siento, ______ ______.
You are declining an invitation because you (singular) are sick.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenYes, it's common to use it for any reason you can't attend work or school, though 'estoy estresado' (I'm stressed) is more specific.
'Enfermo' specifically means sick/ill. 'Mal' just means 'bad' and can refer to health, mood, or situation.
You can say 'Estoy resfriado' or 'Tengo un resfriado'.
Yes, 'Mi perro está enfermo' is perfectly correct.
In Spain, 'estar malo' is a very common synonym for 'estar enfermo'.
Generally, no. In some very specific urban slang it might, but it's not standard.
Use 'Me estoy enfermando' or 'Me estoy poniendo enfermo'.
Usually 'enfermo de' (e.g., enfermo de gripe).
It's better to say 'Me duele la cabeza', but 'Estoy enfermo' is still understood.
Use the masculine plural: 'Estamos enfermos'.
Verwandte Redewendungen
me siento mal
similarI feel bad/unwell
tengo gripe
specialized formI have the flu
estar resfriado
specialized formTo have a cold
que te mejores
builds onGet well soon
estar sano
contrastTo be healthy
