B2 noun 3 min de leitura

smitte

When using the Danish word 'smitte' at a C1 level, it's important to grasp its nuances beyond just 'contagion' or 'infection'. While it primarily refers to the spread of disease, it can also be used more broadly to describe the transmission of abstract concepts like enthusiasm or a mood.

For instance, you might talk about 'smitteeffekten' (the ripple effect of contagion) in a social context, or how 'glæden smitter' (joy is contagious).

Understanding these broader applications helps in mastering idiomatic Danish and communicating more sophisticated ideas.

smitte em 30 segundos

  • contagion
  • infection
  • transmission

§ Understanding 'Smitte'

You've learned that 'smitte' means contagion or infection. It's a common and very practical word in Danish, especially when talking about health or the spread of anything, really. Let's look at how it compares to some related words and when you should use 'smitte'.

§ 'Smitte' as a Noun

Danish Word
smitte (noun)
Definition
contagion, infection
When you use 'smitte' as a noun, you are referring to the act of transmission or the state of being infected/contagious. Think of it as the thing that spreads the disease or the process itself.

Der er stor risiko for smitte i den menneskemængde.

Translation hint: 'There is a high risk of contagion in that crowd.'

Han fik smitte med influenza.

Translation hint: 'He got infected with the flu.' (Literally: He got contagion with influenza.)

§ Related Words: 'Infektion'

Danish Word
infektion (noun)
Definition
infection (medical term)
'Infektion' is a direct cognate of the English word 'infection'. It's more of a clinical or medical term and refers specifically to the presence and multiplication of pathogenic microorganisms in the body. While 'smitte' can be about the general spread, 'infektion' is about the internal state.

Lægen sagde, at jeg havde en bakteriel infektion.

Translation hint: 'The doctor said I had a bacterial infection.'

§ 'Smitte' as a Verb

Danish Word
at smitte (verb)
Definition
to infect, to contaminate, to spread
'At smitte' is the verb form. It means to cause infection or to spread something. This is a very versatile verb and can be used for both literal diseases and even abstract concepts.

Han er bange for at smitte sin familie.

Translation hint: 'He is afraid to infect his family.'

Dårligt humør kan smitte af på andre.

Translation hint: 'A bad mood can rub off on others.' (Literally: can infect off on others.)

§ 'Sygdom' and 'Lidelse'

Danish Word
sygdom (noun)
Definition
illness, disease
Danish Word
lidelse (noun)
Definition
suffering, affliction, ailment
These words describe the state of being unwell. 'Sygdom' is the general term for 'illness' or 'disease'. 'Lidelse' is often used for a more chronic or profound suffering or a specific ailment.

Hun lider af en sjælden sygdom.

Translation hint: 'She suffers from a rare disease.'

Mange oplever kroniske lidelser.

Translation hint: 'Many experience chronic ailments.'

§ Key Differences

  • 'Smitte' (noun): Refers to the contagion itself or the act of transmitting/getting infected. It's about the spread.
  • 'Infektion' (noun): A medical term for the presence of pathogens in the body. It's about the internal biological state.
  • 'Sygdom' (noun): A general term for any illness or disease.
  • 'Lidelse' (noun): Often implies chronic suffering or a specific affliction.
  • 'At smitte' (verb): To infect, to contaminate, to spread (can be literal or figurative).

§ When to Use 'Smitte'

Use 'smitte' when you are talking about:
  • The general risk of catching something: 'risiko for smitte' (risk of contagion).
  • The act of one person infecting another: 'Han smittede mig.' (He infected me.)
  • The spread of something, even non-medical: 'Glæden smittede af.' (The joy spread/was contagious.)
It's your go-to word for anything that passes from one person/thing to another, particularly when it comes to health.

Exemplos por nível

1

Sygdommen spredte smitte.

The disease spread contagion.

2

Der er risiko for smitte.

There is a risk of infection.

3

Undgå smitte.

Avoid infection.

4

Hvordan undgår man smitte?

How does one avoid infection?

5

Smitte kan være farlig.

Infection can be dangerous.

6

Vask hænder for at mindske smitte.

Wash hands to reduce contagion.

7

Er der smitte i luften?

Is there infection in the air?

8

Vi skal stoppe smitten.

We must stop the contagion.

1

Sygdommen spreder sig hurtigt på grund af smitte.

The disease spreads quickly due to contagion.

Here, 'smitte' is a noun in the singular definite form ('smitte').

2

Der er risiko for smitte, hvis man ikke vasker hænder.

There is a risk of infection if one does not wash hands.

'Smitte' is used as a common noun.

3

Lægen anbefalede isolation for at undgå smitte.

The doctor recommended isolation to avoid contagion.

Used with the preposition 'for at' (in order to) + infinitive.

4

De er bange for smitte i skolen.

They are afraid of infection at school.

Used with the preposition 'for' (of/for).

5

Hygiejne er vigtig for at forhindre smitte.

Hygiene is important to prevent infection.

Used as a direct object after 'forhindre' (prevent).

6

En vaccination kan beskytte mod smitte.

A vaccination can protect against contagion.

Used with the preposition 'mod' (against).

7

Han er i karantæne på grund af mulig smitte.

He is in quarantine due to possible infection.

Used with the phrase 'på grund af' (because of/due to).

8

Der er ingen tegn på smitte i gruppen.

There are no signs of infection in the group.

Used with the preposition 'på' (on/of).

Família de palavras

Substantivos

smittekilde source of infection
smittebærer carrier of infection
smittefare risk of infection
smittetryk infection pressure

Verbos

smitte to infect, to contaminate

Adjetivos

smitsom infectious, contagious
smittefarlig contagious, infectious (dangerous)

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

While both relate to getting sick, 'smitte' (contagion/transmission) focuses on the *spread* of something, often a disease. 'Infektion' (infection) refers to the *state* of having a disease caused by germs. So, you can have 'smitte' without 'infektion' if you're a carrier, and 'infektion' is the result of 'smitte'.

You can use it like this:

  • 'Smittefaren er høj.' (The risk of contagion is high.)
  • 'Han spredte smitte.' (He spread infection/contagion.)
  • 'Vi skal undgå smitte.' (We must avoid contagion.)

Yes, 'smitte' can be used metaphorically for the spread of abstract things like enthusiasm or ideas, though it's less common than for diseases. For example, 'Hans glæde var smitsom.' (His joy was contagious.)

Some common phrases include:

  • 'Smittefare' (risk of contagion)
  • 'Smitsom sygdom' (contagious disease)
  • 'Smittebærer' (carrier of infection)
  • 'Smittekilde' (source of infection)

The verb form is 'smitte' as well. It means 'to infect' or 'to transmit'. For example, 'Han smittede mig med en forkølelse.' (He infected me with a cold.)

It's pronounced roughly like 'smee-deh'. The 'i' is a short 'ee' sound, and the 'tt' is like a soft 'd' sound in Danish.

'Smitte' is a common gender noun, so it uses the article 'en'. For example, 'en smitte'.

For the literal sense of disease transmission, 'infektion' is closely related. For the more general idea of spread, you might sometimes use 'udbredelse' (spread) or 'spredning' (spreading), but they don't carry the same health-related connotation.

'Immun' means immune. If you are 'immun', you are resistant to 'smitte'. So, 'Man kan blive immun mod smitte.' (One can become immune to contagion.)

'Virus' is a type of germ that causes disease, whereas 'smitte' is the *act* or *result* of transmitting that germ or disease. A virus can cause smitte.

Teste-se 54 perguntas

listening A1

I have infection.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa: Jeg har smitte.
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening A1

Avoid contagion.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa: Undgå smitte.
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening A1

There is a risk of infection.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa: Der er smittefare.
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking A1

Read this aloud:

Jeg vil undgå smitte.

Focus: smitte

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking A1

Read this aloud:

Er der smitte her?

Focus: smitte

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking A1

Read this aloud:

Ingen smitte, tak.

Focus: smitte

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
multiple choice A2

Hvilket ord betyder 'contagion' eller 'infection'?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa: Smitte

'Smitte' means contagion or infection. The other words mean health, medicine, and fever respectively.

multiple choice A2

En person med influenza kan sprede ______ til andre.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa: smitte

Influenza is an infectious disease, so a person with it can spread 'smitte' (contagion/infection) to others.

multiple choice A2

At vaske hænder er vigtigt for at undgå ______.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa: smitte

Washing hands helps prevent the spread of 'smitte' (contagion/infection).

true false A2

Ordet 'smitte' refererer til en sygdoms overførsel.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa: Verdadeiro

Yes, 'smitte' refers to the transmission of a disease, or the infection itself.

true false A2

Du kan bruge ordet 'smitte' om en god stemning.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa: Falso

No, 'smitte' is typically used for the spread of disease or infection, not for positive feelings like a good atmosphere.

true false A2

At holde afstand kan reducere risikoen for smitte.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa: Verdadeiro

Yes, maintaining distance (social distancing) is a common way to reduce the risk of 'smitte' (contagion).

listening A2

What should you do to avoid infection?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa: Undgå smitte. Vask dine hænder ofte.
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening A2

Where is there a risk of contagion?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa: Der er en risiko for smitte i daginstitutionen.
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening A2

How does the illness spread?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa: Sygdommen spredes ved smitte.
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking A2

Read this aloud:

Hvordan undgår man smitte?

Focus: smitte

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking A2

Read this aloud:

Kan smitte spredes hurtigt?

Focus: spredes

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking A2

Read this aloud:

Er der smittefare her?

Focus: smittefare

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
sentence order A2

Toque nas palavras abaixo para montar a frase
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa: Smitte er farlig

This sentence means 'Infection is dangerous'. 'Smitte' is the subject, 'er' is the verb 'is', and 'farlig' is the adjective 'dangerous'.

sentence order A2

Toque nas palavras abaixo para montar a frase
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa: Du skal undgå smitte

This sentence means 'You must avoid infection'. 'Du' is 'you', 'skal' means 'must', 'undgå' is 'avoid', and 'smitte' is 'infection'.

sentence order A2

Toque nas palavras abaixo para montar a frase
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa: Smitte kan være en trussel

This means 'Infection can be a threat'. 'Smitte' (infection) is the subject, 'kan være' means 'can be', and 'en trussel' means 'a threat'.

fill blank B2

Lægerne arbejder hårdt på at begrænse ___.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa: smitte

In this context, 'smitte' (contagion/infection) fits best as something doctors try to limit.

fill blank B2

For at undgå ___, bør man vaske hænder ofte.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa: smitte

Washing hands frequently is a common method to prevent 'smitte' (infection).

fill blank B2

Epidemien spredte sig hurtigt, og ___ var svær at stoppe.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa: smitte

In an epidemic, it is the 'smitte' (contagion) that is difficult to stop.

fill blank B2

Der var frygt for ___ i børnehaven efter flere syge børn.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa: smitte

When several children are sick in a kindergarten, 'smitte' (infection) is a natural concern.

fill blank B2

Myndighederne indførte restriktioner for at reducere faren for ___.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa: smitte

Restrictions are often put in place by authorities to reduce the risk of 'smitte' (contagion).

fill blank B2

Patienten blev isoleret for at forhindre yderligere ___.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa: smitte

A patient is isolated to prevent further 'smitte' (infection) to others.

writing B2

Imagine you are a health official. Write a short public announcement (3-4 sentences) about preventing the spread of a common cold. Use the word 'smitte' at least once.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

For at forebygge smitte med forkølelse er god håndhygiejne afgørende. Vask dine hænder ofte med sæbe og vand. Undgå at røre ved dit ansigt, især øjne, næse og mund, da dette kan overføre smitte. Bliv hjemme, hvis du føler dig syg for at beskytte andre.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing B2

You are writing an email to a friend who is worried about a recent flu outbreak. Explain what 'smitte' means in this context and offer some advice. (3-4 sentences)

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

Hej [Vens navn], jeg hørte om influenzaudbruddet, og jeg forstår, at du er bekymret. I denne sammenhæng betyder 'smitte' overførsel af sygdommen fra én person til en anden. Det er en god idé at blive vaccineret, hvis du ikke allerede er det, da det kan reducere risikoen for smitte betydeligt. Pas på dig selv!

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing B2

Describe a situation where the word 'smitte' could be used in a figurative sense, not just literally about disease. (2-3 sentences)

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

Glæde kan også sprede sig som en smitte. Når én person er glad, kan deres positive energi smitte af på andre i rummet. Det er en dejlig form for smitte at opleve.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
reading B2

Hvilket råd gives der for at begrænse smittespredningen?

Read this passage:

En ny undersøgelse viser, at risikoen for smitte med visse luftvejsinfektioner er markant højere i tætbefolkede områder. Eksperter anbefaler brug af mundbind og hyppig udluftning for at begrænse smittespredningen. Det er vigtigt at forstå, hvordan smitte opstår, for effektivt at kunne beskytte sig selv og andre.

Hvilket råd gives der for at begrænse smittespredningen?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa: At bruge mundbind og lufte ud ofte.

Passagen nævner specifikt 'brug af mundbind og hyppig udluftning' som anbefalinger for at begrænse smittespredningen.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa: At bruge mundbind og lufte ud ofte.

Passagen nævner specifikt 'brug af mundbind og hyppig udluftning' som anbefalinger for at begrænse smittespredningen.

reading B2

Hvad er den primære bekymring ved stigende turisme ifølge teksten?

Read this passage:

Læger advarer om, at den stigende turisme kan øge risikoen for international smitte af sjældne sygdomme. Det er afgørende, at rejsende er opmærksomme på lokale sundhedsrisici og tager de nødvendige forholdsregler for at undgå smitte. Myndighederne overvejer skærpede screeningsprocedurer i lufthavnene.

Hvad er den primære bekymring ved stigende turisme ifølge teksten?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa: Øget risiko for international smitte af sygdomme.

Teksten siger direkte, at 'den stigende turisme kan øge risikoen for international smitte af sjældne sygdomme'.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa: Øget risiko for international smitte af sygdomme.

Teksten siger direkte, at 'den stigende turisme kan øge risikoen for international smitte af sjældne sygdomme'.

reading B2

Hvordan sker smitte med influenza primært ifølge teksten?

Read this passage:

Selvom influenza ofte anses for at være en harmløs sygdom, kan den i visse tilfælde føre til alvorlige komplikationer. Smitte sker primært via dråber, når en inficeret person hoster eller nyser. Derfor er det vigtigt at holde afstand og dække mund og næse ved hoste eller nys for at minimere smitterisikoen.

Hvordan sker smitte med influenza primært ifølge teksten?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa: Via dråber fra hoste eller nys.

Passagen angiver, at 'Smitte sker primært via dråber, når en inficeret person hoster eller nyser'.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa: Via dråber fra hoste eller nys.

Passagen angiver, at 'Smitte sker primært via dråber, når en inficeret person hoster eller nyser'.

fill blank C1

Influenzavirusset havde en høj ___.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa: smitte

Here, 'smitte' refers to the contagiousness or rate of transmission of the influenza virus.

fill blank C1

For at undgå yderligere ___ blev skolen lukket midlertidigt.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa: smitte

In this context, 'smitte' means the spread of infection among students.

fill blank C1

Lægerne var bekymrede for den hurtige ___ af den nye virus.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa: smitte

Here, 'smitte' describes the rapid spread or transmission of the new virus.

fill blank C1

God hygiejne er afgørende for at bryde ___kæden.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa: smitte

'Smittekæden' (chain of infection) is a common phrase where 'smitte' refers to the infection.

fill blank C1

Der er en risiko for ___ hvis du er i tæt kontakt med den syge.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa: smitte

In this sentence, 'smitte' denotes the possibility of contracting the infection from close contact.

fill blank C1

Myndighederne anbefalede isolering for at minimere ___ i befolkningen.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa: smitte

Here, 'smitte' refers to the infection or contagion within the population.

listening C1

Listen for how 'smitte' is used in the context of risk.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa: Risikoen for smitte er høj i tætbefolkede områder.
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening C1

Listen for what the doctor emphasized regarding 'smitte'.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa: Lægen understregede vigtigheden af at forhindre smitte.
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening C1

Listen for when 'smitte' of influenza is most common.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa: Smitte med influenza er ofte mest udbredt om vinteren.
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking C1

Read this aloud:

Jeg er bekymret for smitten på arbejdspladsen.

Focus: smit-ten

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking C1

Read this aloud:

Hvilke foranstaltninger tager du for at undgå smitte?

Focus: for-an-stal-ting-er

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking C1

Read this aloud:

Der er en risiko for smitte, hvis du ikke er forsigtig.

Focus: ris-i-ko

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
sentence order C2

Toque nas palavras abaixo para montar a frase
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa: Den hurtige smitte krævede øjeblikkelig handling.

This sentence describes a rapid contagion requiring immediate action. 'Den hurtige smitte' acts as the subject, followed by the verb 'krævede' (demanded), and then the object 'øjeblikkelig handling' (immediate action).

sentence order C2

Toque nas palavras abaixo para montar a frase
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa: Myndighederne bekymrede sig for smitterisikoen i store forsamlinger.

This sentence means 'The authorities were concerned about the risk of contagion in large gatherings.' 'Myndighederne' (the authorities) is the subject, 'bekymrede sig' (were concerned) is the verb phrase, and 'for smitterisikoen i store forsamlinger' (about the risk of contagion in large gatherings) is the prepositional phrase detailing their concern.

sentence order C2

Toque nas palavras abaixo para montar a frase
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa: En ny form for smitte spredte sig ubemærket.

This translates to 'A new form of contagion spread unnoticed.' 'En ny form for smitte' (a new form of contagion) is the subject, 'spredte sig' (spread) is the verb, and 'ubemærket' (unnoticed) describes how it spread.

/ 54 correct

Perfect score!

Foi útil?
Nenhum comentário ainda. Seja o primeiro a compartilhar suas ideias!