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Erkrankungen

B1 noun #4,000 most common 9 min read

Erkrankungen

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips Erkrankungen in 30 Seconds

Explanation Erkrankungen in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 'Erkrankungen' might seem a bit long and complex. Beginners usually learn the word 'krank' (sick) first. For example, you learn to say 'Ich bin krank' (I am sick). However, it is useful to recognize 'Erkrankungen' because you might see it on signs in a hospital or on the packaging of medicine. At this stage, you don't need to use it in complex sentences. Just remember that it means 'illnesses' and it is plural. If you see 'Erkrankungen' on a form at the doctor's office, it is asking about health problems. You can think of it as a more formal way to say 'Krankheiten'. Even though it's a B1 word, seeing it early helps you get used to the '-ung' ending, which is very common in German nouns. Just remember that 'die Erkrankung' is one, and 'die Erkrankungen' are many. You might hear a doctor say it, and if you understand it, you will feel more confident. Don't worry about the grammar too much yet, just focus on the meaning: illness. It is a feminine word, which is important for the article 'die'. In A1, we focus on basic needs, and health is a basic need. So, knowing that this word relates to being sick is enough. You can connect it to 'Krankenhaus' (hospital) to help you remember. Both words start with 'Krank-', which is the key to their meaning. As you progress, you will see how this word is used in more specific ways, but for now, 'illnesses' is the perfect translation to keep in mind.

At the A2 level, you are starting to talk more about your health and daily life. You might have learned how to describe symptoms like 'Kopfschmerzen' (headache) or 'Fieber' (fever). 'Erkrankungen' is a word that helps you group these symptoms into a category. For example, you can say 'Es gibt verschiedene Erkrankungen' (There are different illnesses). You are also learning more about the plural of nouns. Since 'Erkrankung' ends in '-ung', it always adds '-en' to become plural: 'Erkrankungen'. This is a very reliable rule in German. You might encounter this word when reading simple texts about health or when listening to a pharmacist explain how to take medicine. It's also common in the plural when talking about 'Winter-Erkrankungen' like the flu or a cold. At A2, you should be able to recognize that this is a formal word. If you use it instead of 'Krankheiten', you sound a bit more advanced. You might also start to see compound words. For example, 'Hauterkrankungen' (skin illnesses). Even if you don't know the whole word, you can see 'Haut' (skin) and 'Erkrankungen' (illnesses) and understand the meaning. This is a great skill at the A2 level. Practice saying the word slowly: Er-krank-ung-en. The stress is on the 'krank' part. Using this word correctly in a simple sentence like 'Er hat viele Erkrankungen' shows that you are expanding your vocabulary beyond the most basic words.

At the B1 level, 'Erkrankungen' becomes a key part of your vocabulary, especially for the 'Health' topic which is common in exams. You are expected to discuss health issues, medical treatments, and healthy lifestyles. 'Erkrankungen' is the perfect word for these discussions because it is formal and precise. You should know that it is often used with adjectives like 'chronisch' (chronic), 'akut' (acute), or 'psychisch' (mental). For example, 'Chronische Erkrankungen erfordern viel Geduld' (Chronic illnesses require a lot of patience). At B1, you also need to handle the dative case better. In the sentence 'Er leidet an verschiedenen Erkrankungen' (He suffers from various illnesses), you are using 'an' with the dative plural. Notice that 'Erkrankungen' already ends in 'n', so you don't add another one. This is a common point of confusion that B1 learners should master. You should also be able to understand the word in the context of the German health system. When you read about 'Vorsorgeuntersuchungen' (preventative check-ups), the text will often mention that they help to find 'Erkrankungen' early. You can use 'Erkrankungen' to talk about social issues, too, such as how stress at work can lead to 'psychischen Erkrankungen'. This word allows you to speak more professionally in a work environment or at the doctor's. It's also a good time to learn the verb 'erkranken' (to fall ill), which is the source of the noun. If you can use both the verb and the noun, your German will sound much more natural and flexible.

At the B2 level, you should be using 'Erkrankungen' with ease in both speaking and writing. You are now dealing with more complex texts, such as newspaper articles about medical research or reports on public health policy. In these contexts, 'Erkrankungen' is almost always preferred over 'Krankheiten'. You should be familiar with more specialized compound nouns like 'Herz-Kreislauf-Erkrankungen' (cardiovascular diseases) or 'Infektionserkrankungen' (infectious diseases). At this level, you should also understand the nuance of the word. 'Erkrankung' implies a medical diagnosis. If someone says 'Er hat eine Erkrankung', it sounds like they have a specific condition diagnosed by a doctor. You should also be able to use the genitive case with this word. For example, 'Die Behandlung dieser Erkrankungen ist teuer' (The treatment of these illnesses is expensive). Here, 'dieser Erkrankungen' is the genitive plural. You can also use the word in the context of 'Berufserkrankungen' (occupational diseases), which is an important topic in business German. You should be able to discuss the causes, symptoms, and prevention of various 'Erkrankungen' in a detailed way. Your ability to use synonyms like 'Leiden', 'Störungen', or 'Beschwerden' appropriately will show your high level of proficiency. For example, you might explain that while a patient has 'Beschwerden' (symptoms), the doctor is looking for the underlying 'Erkrankung' (illness). This level of precision is what defines a B2 learner.

At the C1 level, your understanding of 'Erkrankungen' should be near-native. You are expected to follow complex scientific discussions or read medical journals where this word appears frequently. You should understand the morphological structure perfectly: the prefix 'er-' indicating the inception of a state, the root 'krank', and the nominalizing suffix '-ung'. This allows you to understand related words like 'Erkrankungsrisiko' (risk of falling ill) or 'Erkrankungsrate' (rate of illness). You should also be aware of the stylistic choices between 'Erkrankungen' and its synonyms. In a highly academic text, you might see 'Pathologien' or 'Morbiditäten', but 'Erkrankungen' remains the standard term for most professional communication. You should be able to use the word in complex, multi-clause sentences. For example: 'Angesichts der steigenden Zahl an psychischen Erkrankungen in der modernen Leistungsgesellschaft ist eine Reform des Gesundheitssystems unumgänglich.' (Given the rising number of mental illnesses in modern competitive society, a reform of the healthcare system is inevitable.) You should also be comfortable with the word in legal and insurance contexts, such as 'vorbestehende Erkrankungen' (pre-existing conditions) and how they affect insurance premiums. At C1, you use 'Erkrankungen' to synthesize information and argue points about public health, ethics, and science. You understand that 'Erkrankung' is not just a word for being sick, but a category used to organize medical knowledge and social policy.

At the C2 level, 'Erkrankungen' is a word you use with complete precision and stylistic flexibility. You can distinguish between the subtle shades of meaning in 'Erkrankung', 'Krankheit', 'Gebrechen', 'Affektion', and 'Syndrom'. You are capable of reading and critiquing medical literature, insurance laws, and philosophical texts about the nature of health and illness. You understand the historical evolution of the term and how its usage reflects changes in medical understanding. For example, you might discuss how certain 'Zustände' (states) were reclassified as 'Erkrankungen' over time. You use the word in sophisticated rhetorical structures. For instance: 'Die Multimorbidität des alternden Patienten, charakterisiert durch das gleichzeitige Vorliegen verschiedener chronischer Erkrankungen, stellt die Geriatrie vor komplexe therapeutische Herausforderungen.' (The multimorbidity of the aging patient, characterized by the simultaneous presence of various chronic illnesses, presents complex therapeutic challenges to geriatrics.) You are also aware of the idiomatic and metaphorical potential of the word, although it is primarily used literally. You can navigate the most formal registers, such as writing a formal medical expert opinion or a policy brief for a government health department. Your command of the word includes all its compound variations and its role in the broader system of German medical terminology. At this level, the word is a precise tool in your extensive linguistic repertoire, used to convey exact medical and social meanings.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

Erkrankungen in 30 Seconds

Erkrankungen is the formal German word for 'illnesses' or 'diseases', commonly used in medical, clinical, and scientific contexts rather than casual conversation.
As the plural of 'Erkrankung', it is a feminine noun that follows a regular pluralization pattern by adding '-en' to the singular form.
It often appears in compound words like 'Herzerkrankungen' (heart diseases) and is frequently paired with adjectives like 'chronisch' (chronic) or 'infektiös' (infectious).
Learners should distinguish it from 'Krankheiten', which is more general, and use it when referring to specific medical diagnoses or professional health reports.

The German noun Erkrankungen is the plural form of 'Erkrankung'. In English, it is most accurately translated as 'illnesses', 'diseases', 'ailments', or 'medical conditions'. While the word 'Krankheiten' is also very common in German, 'Erkrankungen' often carries a slightly more formal, clinical, or technical nuance. It is the term you are most likely to encounter in medical reports, health insurance documents, and scientific discussions. The root of the word is 'krank' (sick), combined with the prefix 'er-' which often denotes the beginning of a process or a change of state, and the suffix '-ung' which transforms a verb into a noun. Therefore, 'erkranken' means 'to fall ill', and 'Erkrankung' is the state or instance of having fallen ill.

Medical Context: In clinical settings, physicians use 'Erkrankungen' to categorize various pathologies. It suggests a more precise medical diagnosis than the general state of being 'unwohl' (unwell).

Es gibt viele chronische Erkrankungen, die eine lebenslange Behandlung erfordern.

Translation: There are many chronic illnesses that require lifelong treatment.

When you are at a doctor's office (Arztpraxis), you might be asked about 'Vorerkrankungen' (previous or pre-existing conditions). This is a critical compound word for anyone navigating the German healthcare system. The plural 'Erkrankungen' is used to refer to a group of different health issues or the general concept of multiple instances of sickness within a population. For example, when discussing public health statistics, experts will refer to the 'Häufigkeit bestimmter Erkrankungen' (frequency of certain illnesses). In everyday speech, if you have a cold, you might say 'Ich bin krank', but a medical journal would describe the cold as one of the 'viralen Erkrankungen der Atemwege' (viral illnesses of the respiratory tract). This distinction is vital for B1 learners moving into more formal or professional German environments.

Social Context: In society, 'Erkrankungen' is used to discuss mental health ('psychische Erkrankungen') and physical health without the stigma that sometimes attaches to the word 'Seuche' (plague) or 'Gebrechen' (infirmity).

Die Forschung sucht nach Heilmitteln für seltene Erkrankungen.

Furthermore, the word appears frequently in the news, especially during flu seasons or health crises. Understanding this word helps you grasp the severity and the formal nature of the information being shared. It is a core vocabulary item for anyone interested in health, biology, or social services in Germany.

Infektiöse Erkrankungen können sich in Großstädten schnell ausbreiten.

Linguistic Origin: The word stems from Middle High German 'krank', which originally meant 'narrow' or 'weak', evolving into the modern sense of 'sick'. The nominalization with '-ung' became standard in early modern German.

Psychische Erkrankungen werden heute offener thematisiert als früher.

Prävention ist der beste Schutz vor vielen Erkrankungen.

Using 'Erkrankungen' correctly requires an understanding of its plural nature and its role as a feminine noun. In the nominative plural, it is 'die Erkrankungen'. In the genitive, it becomes 'der Erkrankungen'. In the dative plural, it is 'den Erkrankungen', and in the accusative plural, it remains 'die Erkrankungen'. Because it is a formal word, it often appears with adjectives that specify the type of illness. Common adjectives include 'chronisch' (chronic), 'akut' (acute), 'infektiös' (infectious), 'erblich' (hereditary), and 'psychisch' (mental/psychological).

Sentence Structure: When 'Erkrankungen' is the subject, the verb must be in the plural form. Example: 'Die Erkrankungen nehmen im Winter zu' (The illnesses increase in winter).

Bei diesen Erkrankungen ist eine schnelle Diagnose entscheidend für den Heilungserfolg.

You will frequently find 'Erkrankungen' in prepositional phrases. For instance, 'an einer Erkrankung leiden' (to suffer from an illness). In the plural, this becomes 'an verschiedenen Erkrankungen leiden'. Note that the preposition 'an' takes the dative case here. Another common pattern is 'Schutz vor Erkrankungen' (protection against illnesses), where 'vor' also takes the dative in this context. In academic or medical writing, 'Erkrankungen' is often the head of a complex noun phrase. For example, 'die Erforschung neuartiger Erkrankungen' (the research of novel illnesses). Here, 'neuartiger Erkrankungen' is in the genitive plural. This level of complexity is typical for B2 and C1 levels, but B1 learners should begin to recognize these structures.

Verb Collocations: Verbs like 'vorbeugen' (to prevent), 'behandeln' (to treat), 'heilen' (to cure), and 'diagnostizieren' (to diagnose) are commonly used with 'Erkrankungen'.

Ärzte behandeln täglich eine Vielzahl von Erkrankungen in ihren Praxen.

Welche Erkrankungen sind in Ihrer Familie bekannt?

Compound Nouns: German loves compounds. You will see 'Herzerkrankungen' (heart diseases), 'Hauterkrankungen' (skin diseases), and 'Atemwegserkrankungen' (respiratory diseases).

Rauchen erhöht das Risiko für verschiedene Erkrankungen der Lunge.

Die Statistik zeigt einen Rückgang infektiöser Erkrankungen durch Impfungen.

Viele dieser Erkrankungen könnten durch einen gesünderen Lebensstil vermieden werden.

You will hear 'Erkrankungen' in a variety of professional and semi-professional settings in Germany. One of the most common places is the 'Arztpraxis' (doctor's office). When a doctor discusses your health, they might refer to 'Ihre Erkrankung' (singular) or 'Ihre Erkrankungen' (plural if you have multiple conditions). It sounds more clinical and objective than saying 'Ihre Krankheiten'.

In the News: News anchors and health experts use this word when reporting on health trends, such as 'die Zunahme von allergischen Erkrankungen' (the increase in allergic illnesses).

In den Nachrichten wurde über die Ausbreitung neuer Erkrankungen berichtet.

Another major venue for this word is the workplace, specifically regarding 'Krankmeldungen' (sick notes) and 'arbeitsbedingte Erkrankungen' (work-related illnesses). If an employee is frequently absent, the HR department might discuss 'häufige Erkrankungen' in a general sense, though privacy laws in Germany are very strict about specific diagnoses. In educational settings, students of medicine, biology, or psychology will use 'Erkrankungen' constantly. It is the standard term for any pathology being studied. Even in schools, teachers might discuss 'Erkrankungen' during biology class when explaining how the human body works or how viruses spread.

Pharmacy (Apotheke): Pharmacists use the term when explaining the indications for a medication: 'Dieses Medikament wird bei verschiedenen Erkrankungen der Haut angewendet.'

Der Apotheker erklärte mir die Risiken bei bestimmten Erkrankungen.

Public health campaigns also use the word to educate the public. Posters in public transport or in hospitals might list 'Symptome typischer Erkrankungen' (symptoms of typical illnesses) to encourage early screening.

Insurance (Krankenkasse): Your 'Krankenkasse' will send you brochures about 'chronische Erkrankungen' and programs to manage them.

Die Krankenkasse übernimmt die Kosten für die Behandlung dieser Erkrankungen.

Gibt es in Ihrer Familie erbliche Erkrankungen?

Er hat sich auf seltene Erkrankungen spezialisiert.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is using 'Krankheiten' and 'Erkrankungen' interchangeably without considering the register. While they are often synonyms, 'Erkrankungen' is more appropriate for formal or medical contexts. Using 'Krankheiten' in a medical report might sound slightly less professional, while using 'Erkrankungen' in a casual conversation with a friend might sound a bit overly formal, like saying 'I am suffering from a respiratory ailment' instead of 'I have a cold'.

Singular vs. Plural: Another mistake is forgetting the plural ending. Some learners might say 'die Erkrankung' when they mean multiple illnesses. Remember: -ung nouns always take -en in the plural.

Viele Erkrankung → Viele Erkrankungen sind heilbar.

Gender confusion is also common. Since all nouns ending in '-ung' are feminine, 'Erkrankung' is feminine. In the plural, this doesn't change the article 'die', but it affects the adjectives in the singular. For example, 'eine schwere Erkrankung' vs 'schwere Erkrankungen'. Learners also struggle with the dative plural 'n'. For 'Erkrankungen', the plural already ends in 'n', so you don't need to add another one in the dative case. It remains 'den Erkrankungen'. This is a rare case where the dative plural 'n' rule is already satisfied by the base plural form.

Confusion with 'Übelkeit': Some learners use 'Erkrankung' when they mean 'nausea' (Übelkeit). 'Erkrankung' is the whole disease, while 'Übelkeit' is just one symptom.

Bei Erkrankungen des Magens tritt oft Übelkeit auf.

Finally, watch out for the prepositional use. Learners often use 'von' when they should use 'an'. It is 'Erkrankung an (+ Dative)', not 'Erkrankung von'. For example, 'Erkrankung an Grippe' (illness with the flu).

Die Zahl der Erkrankungen an Masern ist gestiegen.

Man sollte chronische Erkrankungen nicht ignorieren.

Diese Erkrankungen sind nicht ansteckend.

Understanding the synonyms and related terms for 'Erkrankungen' helps you choose the right word for the right situation. The most obvious alternative is Krankheiten. This is the general term for 'illnesses' or 'diseases'. It is used in both everyday and formal language, but lacks the clinical 'diagnosed condition' feel that 'Erkrankungen' provides.

Krankheiten vs. Erkrankungen: 'Krankheit' is often abstract (e.g., 'Krankheit im Allgemeinen'), while 'Erkrankung' often refers to a specific instance or a pathologically defined state.

Herz-Kreislauf-Erkrankungen sind weltweit die häufigste Todesursache.

Another word is Leiden. This translates to 'sufferings' or 'ailments'. It is often used for chronic conditions that cause ongoing pain or discomfort. It has a more empathetic, patient-centered tone. For example, 'sein langjähriges Leiden' (his long-standing suffering/ailment). Beschwerden means 'complaints' or 'symptoms'. When you go to the doctor, they might ask, 'Welche Beschwerden haben Sie?' (What symptoms/complaints do you have?). This is about what you *feel*, whereas 'Erkrankungen' is about what you *have*.

Infektionen: This specifically refers to illnesses caused by pathogens like bacteria or viruses. All infections are 'Erkrankungen', but not all 'Erkrankungen' (like genetic ones) are infections.

Viele bakterielle Erkrankungen lassen sich mit Antibiotika behandeln.

Störungen (disorders) is often used in psychology or for functional issues, like 'Stoffwechselstörungen' (metabolic disorders). This is very close to 'Erkrankungen' and often used interchangeably in clinical psychology.

Psychische Störungen sind ernsthafte Erkrankungen.

Die Medizin macht Fortschritte bei der Heilung dieser Erkrankungen.

Es gibt einen Zusammenhang zwischen Ernährung und bestimmten Erkrankungen.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Die Prävalenz dieser Erkrankungen nimmt stetig zu."

Neutral

"Es gibt viele verschiedene Erkrankungen des Rückens."

Informal

"Ich habe keine Lust auf diese ganzen Erkrankungen im Winter."

Child friendly

"Es gibt viele Arten, wie man krank werden kann."

Slang

"Er hat sich wieder irgendwelche Seuchen eingefangen."

Fun Fact

In old German, if you were 'krank', it didn't necessarily mean you had a virus; it meant you were physically weak or frail. The modern medical meaning developed as the language became more standardized in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Pronunciation Guide

UK ɛɐ̯ˈkʁaŋkʊŋən

US ɛrˈkʁaŋkʊŋən

The primary stress is on the second syllable: er-KRANK-ung-en.

Rhymes With

Wanderungen Halterungen Leistungen Meinungen Zeitungen Heizungen Wohnungen Übungen

Common Errors

Stressing the first syllable (ER-krankungen).
Pronouncing the 'g' in 'ung' separately (un-gen instead of ung-en).
Swallowing the 'r' sound in 'krank' too much.
Confusing the '-ung' suffix with '-ung' in English (it's nasal and short).
Forgetting the plural '-en' ending.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Recognizing it is easy due to the 'krank' root, but the long form can be intimidating for beginners.

Writing 4/5

Spelling the '-ungen' ending and using the correct case (especially genitive) requires practice.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation is rhythmic but requires clear articulation of all four syllables.

Listening 3/5

In fast speech, the 'er-' and '-en' can be quite short, making it harder to catch.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

krank Krankheit Arzt Körper Medizin

Learn Next

Diagnose Therapie Symptom Prävention chronisch

Advanced

Ätiologie Pathogenese Komorbidität Epidemiologie Rehabilitation

Grammar to Know

Nouns ending in -ung are always feminine.

Die Erkrankung, die Zeitung, die Übung.

Nouns ending in -ung always form the plural with -en.

Die Erkrankungen, die Zeitungen, die Übungen.

The prefix 'er-' often indicates a change of state.

Erblühen (to start blooming), erkranken (to start being sick).

Dative plural nouns usually add an 'n', unless they already end in 'n' or 's'.

Den Erkrankungen (no extra 'n' needed).

Adjectives must agree with the gender and number of the noun.

Schwere Erkrankungen (nominative plural).

Examples by Level

Er hat viele Erkrankungen.

He has many illnesses.

Plural of 'Erkrankung'.

Sind das schwere Erkrankungen?

Are those serious illnesses?

Adjective 'schwere' matches plural 'Erkrankungen'.

Die Erkrankungen kommen im Winter.

The illnesses come in winter.

Subject-verb agreement: 'die Erkrankungen' (plural) + 'kommen'.

Ich lese über Erkrankungen.

I am reading about illnesses.

'über' + accusative plural.

Gibt es hier Erkrankungen?

Are there illnesses here?

'Gibt es' + accusative plural.

Erkrankungen sind nicht gut.

Illnesses are not good.

Simple plural subject.

Was sind diese Erkrankungen?

What are these illnesses?

Demonstrative pronoun 'diese' matches plural.

Hilfe bei Erkrankungen.

Help with illnesses.

'bei' + dative plural.

Es gibt verschiedene Erkrankungen des Herzens.

There are various illnesses of the heart.

Genitive singular 'des Herzens'.

Wir lernen heute über ansteckende Erkrankungen.

Today we are learning about contagious illnesses.

Adjective 'ansteckende' in accusative plural.

Diese Erkrankungen sind sehr selten.

These illnesses are very rare.

Plural subject and verb.

Wie kann man diesen Erkrankungen vorbeugen?

How can one prevent these illnesses?

Dative plural 'diesen Erkrankungen' because of 'vorbeugen'.

Die Liste der Erkrankungen ist lang.

The list of illnesses is long.

Genitive plural 'der Erkrankungen'.

Er hat Angst vor neuen Erkrankungen.

He is afraid of new illnesses.

'Angst vor' + dative plural.

Viele Erkrankungen beginnen mit Fieber.

Many illnesses start with a fever.

Plural subject.

Welche Erkrankungen hatten Sie als Kind?

Which illnesses did you have as a child?

Interrogative 'Welche' matches plural.

Chronische Erkrankungen erfordern eine langfristige Therapie.

Chronic illnesses require long-term therapy.

Adjective 'chronische' in nominative plural.

Die Zahl der Erkrankungen ist in diesem Jahr gestiegen.

The number of illnesses has risen this year.

Genitive plural 'der Erkrankungen'.

Er leidet an mehreren allergischen Erkrankungen.

He suffers from several allergic illnesses.

'leiden an' + dative plural.

Bestimmte Erkrankungen können vererbt werden.

Certain illnesses can be inherited.

Passive voice with 'können'.

Ärzte warnen vor den Gefahren dieser Erkrankungen.

Doctors warn of the dangers of these illnesses.

'warnen vor' + dative plural.

Eine gesunde Ernährung schützt vor vielen Erkrankungen.

A healthy diet protects against many illnesses.

'schützen vor' + dative plural.

Psychische Erkrankungen sind oft schwer zu erkennen.

Mental illnesses are often difficult to recognize.

Adjective 'psychische' in plural.

Man muss die Ursachen dieser Erkrankungen erforschen.

One must research the causes of these illnesses.

Modal verb 'muss' + infinitive 'erforschen'.

In Industrieländern nehmen stressbedingte Erkrankungen zu.

In industrialized countries, stress-related illnesses are increasing.

Compound adjective 'stressbedingte'.

Die Diagnose seltener Erkrankungen kann Jahre dauern.

The diagnosis of rare illnesses can take years.

Genitive plural of 'seltene Erkrankungen'.

Es gibt einen Zusammenhang zwischen Umweltverschmutzung und respiratorischen Erkrankungen.

There is a connection between environmental pollution and respiratory illnesses.

'zwischen' + dative plural.

Die Krankenkasse übernimmt die Kosten für diese Erkrankungen.

The health insurance covers the costs for these illnesses.

'für' + accusative plural.

Präventivmaßnahmen senken das Risiko schwerer Erkrankungen.

Preventative measures lower the risk of serious illnesses.

Genitive plural without article.

Die Forschung hat neue Erkenntnisse über diese Erkrankungen gewonnen.

Research has gained new insights into these illnesses.

Present perfect tense.

Viele dieser Erkrankungen sind auf einen ungesunden Lebensstil zurückzuführen.

Many of these illnesses are due to an unhealthy lifestyle.

'zurückzuführen auf' + accusative.

Die Symptome der Erkrankungen variieren von Patient zu Patient.

The symptoms of the illnesses vary from patient to patient.

Genitive plural 'der Erkrankungen'.

Die sozioökonomischen Auswirkungen chronischer Erkrankungen sind immens.

The socio-economic impacts of chronic illnesses are immense.

Genitive plural 'chronischer Erkrankungen'.

Die Pathogenese dieser komplexen Erkrankungen ist noch nicht vollständig geklärt.

The pathogenesis of these complex illnesses is not yet fully understood.

Academic term 'Pathogenese'.

Man diskutiert über die ethischen Aspekte der Früherkennung genetischer Erkrankungen.

One discusses the ethical aspects of the early detection of genetic illnesses.

'Aspekte der Früherkennung' + genitive plural.

Die Prävalenz bestimmter Erkrankungen korreliert mit dem Alter der Bevölkerung.

The prevalence of certain illnesses correlates with the age of the population.

Academic verb 'korreliert'.

Durch innovative Therapien konnten die Heilungschancen bei diesen Erkrankungen verbessert werden.

Through innovative therapies, the chances of recovery for these illnesses could be improved.

Passive voice with modal 'konnten'.

Die Weltgesundheitsorganisation warnt vor einer Zunahme lebensstilbedingter Erkrankungen.

The World Health Organization warns of an increase in lifestyle-related illnesses.

Compound noun 'lebensstilbedingter'.

Es bedarf einer interdisziplinären Zusammenarbeit bei der Behandlung dieser Erkrankungen.

There is a need for interdisciplinary cooperation in the treatment of these illnesses.

'Es bedarf' + genitive.

Die klinische Relevanz dieser Erkrankungen darf nicht unterschätzt werden.

The clinical relevance of these illnesses must not be underestimated.

Passive voice 'darf nicht ... werden'.

Die Ätiologie multifaktorieller Erkrankungen entzieht sich oft einer monokausalen Erklärung.

The etiology of multifactorial illnesses often eludes a monocausal explanation.

Highly academic terminology ('Ätiologie', 'multifaktoriell').

In der medizinischen Fachliteratur werden diese Erkrankungen als systemisch klassifiziert.

In medical literature, these illnesses are classified as systemic.

Passive voice and specialized classification.

Die Komorbidität bei geriatrischen Patienten erschwert die Therapie einzelner Erkrankungen.

Comorbidity in geriatric patients complicates the therapy of individual illnesses.

Technical term 'Komorbidität'.

Die molekularbiologische Erforschung dieser Erkrankungen hat zu bahnbrechenden Resultaten geführt.

The molecular biological research of these illnesses has led to groundbreaking results.

Complex compound adjective.

Die psychosomatische Komponente vieler Erkrankungen wird in der modernen Medizin stärker gewichtet.

The psychosomatic component of many illnesses is given greater weight in modern medicine.

Passive voice 'wird ... gewichtet'.

Die epidemiologische Datenlage zu diesen Erkrankungen ist in ländlichen Regionen oft lückenhaft.

The epidemiological data situation regarding these illnesses is often incomplete in rural regions.

Academic term 'epidemiologisch'.

Eine holistische Herangehensweise ist bei der Prävention solcher Erkrankungen unabdingbar.

A holistic approach is indispensable for the prevention of such illnesses.

Adjective 'unabdingbar'.

Die pharmakologische Intervention bei diesen Erkrankungen muss sorgfältig abgewogen werden.

Pharmacological intervention in these illnesses must be carefully weighed.

Modal passive 'muss ... werden'.

Common Collocations

chronische Erkrankungen

psychische Erkrankungen

infektiöse Erkrankungen

seltene Erkrankungen

entzündliche Erkrankungen

vorbeugen gegen Erkrankungen

behandeln von Erkrankungen

Risiko für Erkrankungen

Vielzahl von Erkrankungen

schwere Erkrankungen

Common Phrases

an Erkrankungen leiden

— To suffer from illnesses. This is the standard way to describe a patient's condition.

Viele Senioren leiden an mehreren Erkrankungen.

Schutz vor Erkrankungen

— Protection against illnesses. Used in public health advice and vaccine promotion.

Impfungen bieten einen guten Schutz vor Erkrankungen.

Verlauf der Erkrankungen

— The course of the illnesses. Refers to how the diseases develop over time.

Der Verlauf der Erkrankungen war bei allen Patienten ähnlich.

Ursache der Erkrankungen

— The cause of the illnesses. Used when discussing etiology or origins.

Die genaue Ursache der Erkrankungen ist noch unbekannt.

Häufigkeit von Erkrankungen

— Frequency of illnesses. A statistical term used in epidemiology.

Die Häufigkeit von Erkrankungen variiert je nach Region.

Vorbeugung von Erkrankungen

— Prevention of illnesses. Focuses on health maintenance.

Die Vorbeugung von Erkrankungen ist ein wichtiges Ziel der Politik.

Diagnose von Erkrankungen

— Diagnosis of illnesses. The process of identifying medical conditions.

Moderne Technik erleichtert die Diagnose von Erkrankungen.

Behandlung chronischer Erkrankungen

— Treatment of chronic illnesses. A specific medical subfield.

Die Behandlung chronischer Erkrankungen ist oft langwierig.

Erforschung neuer Erkrankungen

— Research of new illnesses. Used in the context of medical science.

Wissenschaftler arbeiten an der Erforschung neuer Erkrankungen.

Symptome typischer Erkrankungen

— Symptoms of typical illnesses. Used in health brochures.

Hier finden Sie eine Liste der Symptome typischer Erkrankungen.

Often Confused With

Erkrankungen vs Erkältungen

This means 'colds'. Learners often mix them up because they sound similar, but 'Erkrankungen' is the general term for all illnesses.

Erkrankungen vs Erklärungen

This means 'explanations'. The only difference is one letter ('k' vs 'l'), but the meanings are completely unrelated.

Erkrankungen vs Kränkungen

This means 'insults' or 'offenses' (from the verb 'kränken'). It sounds very similar but refers to hurting someone's feelings.

Idioms & Expressions

"auf Herz und Nieren prüfen"

— To check something very thoroughly. While not using 'Erkrankungen', it is a medical idiom meaning to look for any hidden 'Erkrankungen' or faults.

Das neue Gesetz wurde auf Herz und Nieren geprüft.

informal/neutral

"jemandem auf den Zahn fühlen"

— To question someone closely. Originates from dentistry, metaphorically checking for dental 'Erkrankungen'.

Der Journalist fühlte dem Politiker auf den Zahn.

informal

"die Nase voll haben"

— To be fed up with something. Often used when someone is tired of being sick or having 'Erkrankungen'.

Ich habe die Nase voll von meinen ständigen Erkrankungen.

informal

"wieder auf dem Damm sein"

— To be healthy again after an illness. The opposite of having 'Erkrankungen'.

Nach zwei Wochen ist er endlich wieder auf dem Damm.

informal

"ein harter Brocken"

— A tough nut to crack. Often used for 'Erkrankungen' that are very difficult to treat.

Diese seltene Erkrankung ist ein harter Brocken für die Ärzte.

informal

"ins Gras beißen"

— To bite the dust (to die). A dark idiom for the final result of fatal 'Erkrankungen'.

Er will noch nicht ins Gras beißen.

slang

"jemanden auf die Beine helfen"

— To help someone get back on their feet. Often used after they have suffered from 'Erkrankungen'.

Die Kur hat ihm wieder auf die Beine geholfen.

neutral

"etwas im Keim ersticken"

— To nip something in the bud. Used for stopping 'Erkrankungen' before they spread.

Man muss die Infektion im Keim ersticken.

neutral

"aus dem letzten Loch pfeifen"

— To be on one's last legs. Used when 'Erkrankungen' have made someone very weak.

Nach der Grippe pfeift er aus dem letzten Loch.

informal

"sich etwas einfangen"

— To catch something (an illness). A common way to say one has contracted one of many 'Erkrankungen'.

Ich habe mir im Urlaub eine Magen-Darm-Erkrankung eingefangen.

informal

Easily Confused

Erkrankungen vs Krankheiten

They both mean illnesses.

Krankheiten is more general and used in everyday life. Erkrankungen is more formal and clinical, often referring to a specific diagnosis.

Die Grippe ist eine Krankheit. Der Arzt untersucht seine chronischen Erkrankungen.

Erkrankungen vs Leiden

Both refer to health problems.

Leiden emphasizes the suffering and the person's experience, often for long-term issues. Erkrankungen is more objective and medical.

Sein Leiden dauerte viele Jahre. Die Liste der Erkrankungen ist im Bericht zu finden.

Erkrankungen vs Störungen

Both can refer to medical issues.

Störungen (disorders) often refers to functional or psychological issues where a specific organ might not be 'diseased' but isn't working right.

Er hat Essstörungen. Sie leidet an verschiedenen Erkrankungen.

Erkrankungen vs Beschwerden

Both are used in a medical context.

Beschwerden are the symptoms or 'complaints' a patient reports. Erkrankungen is the actual diagnosed disease.

Welche Beschwerden haben Sie? Diese Erkrankungen sind schwer zu diagnostizieren.

Erkrankungen vs Anfälle

Both relate to being sick.

Anfälle are 'attacks' or 'seizures' (sudden events), while Erkrankungen are the underlying conditions.

Er hat epileptische Anfälle wegen seiner Erkrankung.

Sentence Patterns

Ich habe [Plural Noun].

Ich habe Erkrankungen.

Es gibt viele [Adjective] [Plural Noun].

Es gibt viele seltene Erkrankungen.

Er leidet an [Dative Plural Noun].

Er leidet an chronischen Erkrankungen.

Man kann [Dative Plural Noun] vorbeugen.

Man kann diesen Erkrankungen vorbeugen.

Das Risiko für [Accusative Plural Noun] steigt.

Das Risiko für diese Erkrankungen steigt.

Die Zahl der [Genitive Plural Noun] ist hoch.

Die Zahl der Erkrankungen ist hoch.

Angesichts der [Genitive Plural Noun]...

Angesichts der steigenden Zahl an Erkrankungen...

Die Ätiologie dieser [Genitive Plural Noun]...

Die Ätiologie dieser multifaktoriellen Erkrankungen...

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in medical, insurance, and news domains. Less common in very casual street slang.

Common Mistakes

Using 'Krankheiten' in a medical report. → Using 'Erkrankungen'.
While not grammatically wrong, 'Erkrankungen' is the expected professional term in clinical settings.
Saying 'viele Erkrankung' instead of 'viele Erkrankungen'. → viele Erkrankungen
Learners often forget the '-en' plural ending for nouns ending in '-ung'.
Confusing 'Erkrankungen' with 'Erkältungen'. → Erkältungen (for colds), Erkrankungen (for illnesses in general).
These words sound similar but have very different scopes of meaning.
Using the wrong gender (e.g., 'der Erkrankung'). → die Erkrankung
All '-ung' nouns are feminine. This is a fundamental rule in German grammar.
Adding an extra 'n' in the dative plural ('den Erkrankungenn'). → den Erkrankungen
The plural already ends in 'n', so no additional 'n' is required in the dative case.

Tips

The -ung Rule

Always remember that nouns ending in '-ung' are feminine. This will help you choose the right article ('die') and the right adjective endings every time you use 'Erkrankung' or 'Erkrankungen'.

Formal Register

Use 'Erkrankungen' when writing emails to doctors, filling out forms, or talking to health insurance agents. It shows you have a high level of German and understand professional etiquette.

Stress the Root

The stress is on 'krank'. If you stress 'er-', it sounds unnatural. Practice saying 'er-KRANK-ung-en' to get the rhythm right.

Compound Power

Learn 'Erkrankungen' as a suffix for organs. Haut-erkrankungen, Herz-erkrankungen, Lungen-erkrankungen. This way, you learn many words at once!

Medical History

When you see 'Anamnese' or 'Patientengeschichte' on a form, look for 'Erkrankungen' to list your past health issues.

Context Clues

If you hear 'chronisch' or 'akut', the next word is very likely to be 'Erkrankung' or 'Erkrankungen'. Use these adjectives as signals.

Genitive Plural

In formal writing, use the genitive: 'die Behandlung der Erkrankungen'. It sounds much better than using 'von' in professional contexts.

Sensitivity

Germans are private about their health. Use 'Erkrankungen' as a general term when you don't want to ask about a specific, private diagnosis.

Entering Sickness

Associate 'er-' with 'entering' and 'krank' with 'sick'. You are entering a state of sickness. The '-ungen' makes it a formal noun.

Plurality

When discussing health trends, always use the plural 'Erkrankungen' to refer to the various types of illnesses in a population.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the 'er-' as 'entering' a state, 'krank' as 'cranky' (how you feel when you are sick), and '-ungen' as 'ongoing' things. So, 'entering-cranky-ongoing' things are illnesses.

Visual Association

Imagine a doctor's waiting room filled with people. Each person represents one 'Erkrankung'. The room as a whole represents 'Erkrankungen'.

Word Web

Arzt Medizin Symptome Krankenhaus Heilung Virus Bakterien Therapie

Challenge

Try to list five different 'Erkrankungen' in German (e.g., Grippe, Diabetes, Asthma) and use them in a sentence with the word 'Erkrankungen' itself.

Word Origin

The word is a nominalization of the verb 'erkranken'. This verb consists of the prefix 'er-' and the adjective 'krank'. The prefix 'er-' in German often signifies the beginning of a process or the transition into a new state. Therefore, 'erkranken' literally means 'to become sick'.

Original meaning: The root 'krank' comes from Middle High German 'krank', which originally meant 'narrow', 'slender', or 'weak'. It only later shifted to mean 'sick' or 'ill'.

Germanic. Related to the English word 'crank' (originally meaning twisted or bent), reflecting the idea of being physically 'bent' or 'weakened' by illness.

Cultural Context

When discussing 'Erkrankungen' with someone, it is important to be sensitive, as it implies a serious medical diagnosis. In Germany, health data is extremely private (Datenschutz).

English speakers often just say 'diseases' or 'illnesses'. 'Erkrankungen' is closer to 'medical conditions' in its formal tone.

Robert Koch Institute (RKI) reports frequently use the term 'Erkrankungen' to track health trends. The 'Gesundheitsberichterstattung des Bundes' (Federal Health Reporting) is a major source where this word is used. German pharmaceutical ads often use the phrase 'bei Risiken und Nebenwirkungen...' which relates to the treatment of 'Erkrankungen'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Doctor

Welche Vorerkrankungen haben Sie?
Gibt es chronische Erkrankungen in Ihrer Familie?
Diese Erkrankungen sind gut behandelbar.
Wir müssen weitere Tests machen, um diese Erkrankungen auszuschließen.

In the News

Die Zahl der Erkrankungen steigt.
Neue Erkenntnisse über seltene Erkrankungen.
Experten warnen vor infektiösen Erkrankungen.
Ein Rückgang der Erkrankungen wurde gemeldet.

Health Insurance

Leistungen bei schweren Erkrankungen.
Informationen zu chronischen Erkrankungen.
Kostenübernahme für bestimmte Erkrankungen.
Programme für Patienten mit diesen Erkrankungen.

Academic Studies

Die Erforschung dieser Erkrankungen ist wichtig.
Statistiken über die Verbreitung von Erkrankungen.
Molekulare Grundlagen der Erkrankungen.
Klassifizierung verschiedener Erkrankungen.

Workplace

Arbeitsbedingte Erkrankungen vermeiden.
Häufige Erkrankungen im Büroalltag.
Prävention von psychischen Erkrankungen am Arbeitsplatz.
Umgang mit chronischen Erkrankungen im Team.

Conversation Starters

"Glaubst du, dass Stress die Hauptursache für viele moderne Erkrankungen ist?"

"Welche Erkrankungen sind deiner Meinung nach am schwierigsten zu behandeln?"

"Hast du schon einmal von sehr seltenen Erkrankungen gehört?"

"Wie wichtig ist die Prävention von Erkrankungen in deinem Heimatland?"

"Denkst du, dass die Technik in Zukunft alle Erkrankungen heilen kann?"

Journal Prompts

Schreibe über eine Zeit, in der du über verschiedene Erkrankungen gelernt hast. Was hat dich am meisten überrascht?

Reflektiere darüber, wie die Gesellschaft mit psychischen Erkrankungen umgeht. Was könnte verbessert werden?

Beschreibe die Bedeutung von gesunder Ernährung für die Vermeidung von chronischen Erkrankungen.

Stelle dir vor, du bist ein Arzt. Wie würdest du einem Patienten komplizierte Erkrankungen erklären?

Welche Rolle spielt Sport in deinem Leben, um Erkrankungen vorzubeugen?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, 'Erkrankungen' is the plural form. The singular is 'Erkrankung'. In medical contexts, you often deal with multiple conditions, so the plural is very common. For example, 'Er leidet an mehreren Erkrankungen' (He suffers from several illnesses).

'Krankheit' is the general term for illness. 'Erkrankung' is more formal and often used for a specific instance or a medically diagnosed condition. If you want to sound like a professional or a doctor, use 'Erkrankung'.

You can say 'Herzkrankheit', but the more professional and common term in medicine is 'Herzerkrankung'. In the plural, it is 'Herzerkrankungen'. For example, 'Er hat Probleme mit Herzerkrankungen in der Familie'.

It is feminine. All German nouns ending in '-ung' are feminine. Therefore, it is 'die Erkrankung' and 'die Erkrankungen'. This is a very helpful rule for learners.

Use this term when referring to mental health conditions like depression or anxiety in a formal or respectful way. It is the standard clinical term in Germany today. Example: 'Immer mehr Menschen leiden an psychischen Erkrankungen'.

No, it does not. The plural form already ends in 'n' ('Erkrankungen'), so you do not add another 'n' in the dative case. It remains 'den Erkrankungen'. For example, 'Mit diesen Erkrankungen ist nicht zu spaßen'.

Technically yes, a cold is an 'Erkrankung der Atemwege'. However, in casual conversation, it would sound very strange. Just say 'Erkältung' for a cold. Use 'Erkrankungen' for more serious or general medical categories.

'Vorerkrankungen' are pre-existing conditions or medical history. Doctors and insurance companies will always ask about them. Example: 'Haben Sie irgendwelche Vorerkrankungen, von denen ich wissen sollte?'

It is pronounced er-KRANK-ung-en. The stress is on the second syllable. Make sure to pronounce the 'er-' prefix lightly and the 'ung' as a nasal sound, followed by a clear 'en'.

Yes, it is the standard term in academic and medical writing. It is much more common than 'Krankheiten' in scientific papers, medical textbooks, and professional health reports.