At the A1 level, you usually learn simple words like 'krank' (sick). 'Infektiös' is a bit advanced, but you might see it on signs in hospitals or clinics. It means that a sickness can move from one person to another. Think of it like a cold that you can catch from a friend. At this level, don't worry about the long word; just remember that it relates to being sick and sharing germs. You might hear a doctor say it, and you should know it means 'be careful'. Examples: 'Das ist infektiös' (That is infectious). It is mostly used for very dangerous things at this level. You can use the easier word 'ansteckend' instead if you want to say someone might get sick from you.
At the A2 level, you start to understand more specific health terms. 'Infektiös' is an adjective that describes diseases or materials that spread germs. You will use it when talking about why you need to wash your hands or why someone is staying home from school. It is important to notice the spelling: it has an 'ö' in it. You might say, 'Die Krankheit ist nicht infektiös,' if you want to tell someone they are safe. It is a good word to know for basic medical forms or when reading health news. You are moving beyond just 'krank' and starting to explain *why* or *how* a sickness is dangerous. Remember, it sounds more professional than 'ansteckend'.
As a B1 learner, you should be able to use 'infektiös' correctly in sentences. At this level, you are expected to handle common medical situations. You should know that 'infektiös' describes the ability to transmit a disease. You can use it to talk about environmental safety, like 'infektiöser Abfall' (infectious waste). You should also start using it metaphorically, like when someone has a 'lachen' (laugh) that makes everyone else laugh too. You will need to decline the adjective properly: 'ein infektiöser Patient' or 'mit infektiösen Stoffen'. This level requires you to distinguish between being 'infiziert' (infected yourself) and being 'infektiös' (able to infect others). It is a key word for discussing health topics in the B1 exam.
At the B2 level, you should use 'infektiös' with precision in professional and academic contexts. You will understand the nuance between 'infektiös', 'ansteckend', and 'übertragbar'. You should be able to discuss public health issues, such as how a virus becomes more 'infektiös' through mutation. You will use comparative and superlative forms: 'Diese Variante ist viel infektiöser.' You should also be comfortable with the word in abstract contexts, describing the spread of ideas or social trends. Your grammar should be solid, handling complex adjective endings and prepositional phrases like 'trotz der infektiösen Gefahr'. This word is essential for reading German newspapers like 'Die Zeit' or 'Der Spiegel' where health policy is discussed.
At the C1 level, 'infektiös' is part of your active technical vocabulary. You use it in scientific discussions, complex medical reports, or high-level social analysis. You understand the subtle difference between 'infektiös' (the biological property) and 'kontagiös' (the ease of transmission through contact). You can use it to describe systemic risks in finance or technology, such as 'infektiöse Computerviren'. Your use of the word is nuanced, and you can explain the ethics of handling 'infektiöses Material' in a debate. You are also aware of the historical etymology and how the word functions in various registers, from clinical to literary. You can effortlessly switch between 'ansteckend' for informal settings and 'infektiös' for formal ones.
At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of 'infektiös'. You use it with perfect grammatical accuracy in all contexts. You can appreciate its use in literature to describe a pervasive mood or a 'zeitgeist' that is 'infektiös'. You understand the legal implications of the term in German law (Infektionsschutzgesetz). You can discuss the word's role in the history of medicine and how its definition has shifted with the discovery of bacteria and viruses. You use it in complex rhetorical structures and can identify when it is used ironically or with specific stylistic intent. There are no barriers to your understanding or production of this word in any conceivable German-speaking environment.

infektiös em 30 segundos

  • Refers to the ability of a disease to spread between organisms.
  • Used in medical, clinical, and scientific contexts primarily.
  • Can be used metaphorically for emotions like laughter or joy.
  • Higher register than the common German word 'ansteckend'.
The German adjective infektiös is a high-frequency term that bridges the gap between everyday conversation and professional medical discourse. At its core, it describes something that is capable of causing an infection or is easily transmitted from one organism to another. While often used interchangeably with the more Germanic word ansteckend, infektiös carries a slightly more formal, scientific, or clinical weight. It is derived from the Latin inficere, meaning to stain or corrupt, which evolved into the medical concept of spreading disease. In modern German, you will encounter this word in news reports about public health, in doctor's offices, and increasingly in metaphorical contexts.
Medical Context
Used to describe pathogens, substances, or patients that can spread biological agents like viruses or bacteria. For example, 'infektiöser Abfall' refers to medical waste that poses a biological hazard.

Während der ersten drei Tage der Erkrankung ist der Patient besonders infektiös.

Metaphorical Context
Used to describe emotions, behaviors, or moods that spread quickly among a group of people, such as laughter or enthusiasm. In this sense, it is synonymous with 'captivating' or 'spreading like wildfire'.

Ihr Optimismus wirkte auf das gesamte Team geradezu infektiös.

Das Labor untersucht, wie infektiös die neuen Proben tatsächlich sind.

Environmental Safety
In industrial or hospital settings, labels like 'infektiöse Stoffe' are critical for safety protocols to prevent accidental exposure.

Bitte entsorgen Sie alle infektiösen Materialien in den dafür vorgesehenen Behältern.

Die Studie belegt, dass die neue Variante deutlich infektiöser ist als die ursprüngliche.

Understand that using this word signals a higher level of German proficiency compared to the more basic 'krank'. It focuses specifically on the transmission aspect of health rather than the state of being sick itself.
Using infektiös correctly requires an understanding of German adjective declension and its specific syntactic roles. As an adjective, it can function predicatively (after a verb like 'sein'), attributively (before a noun), or adverbially (though less common in this specific case). When used predicatively, it remains undeclined: 'Die Krankheit ist infektiös.' However, when placed before a noun, it must match the gender, number, and case of that noun. For instance, in the nominative masculine, you would say 'ein infektiöser Erreger' (an infectious pathogen).
Predicative Usage
The simplest way to use the word is to describe a subject directly. 'Diese Flüssigkeit ist extrem infektiös.' Here, the adjective describes the state of the liquid without needing complex endings.

Man muss vorsichtig sein, da das Virus in dieser Phase besonders infektiös ist.

Attributive Usage
When modifying a noun, pay attention to the article. 'Der infektiöse Patient' (weak declension) vs. 'Ein infektiöser Patient' (mixed declension). This is where learners often make mistakes with the '-e', '-er', or '-en' endings.

Ärzte tragen Schutzkleidung, um den Kontakt mit infektiösen Substanzen zu vermeiden.

Die Proben wurden als hochgradig infektiös eingestuft.

Comparison Forms
The comparative is 'infektiöser' and the superlative is 'am infektiösesten'. These are used to compare the transmission rates of different diseases. 'Masern sind infektiöser als die Grippe.'

Welche Krankheit ist eigentlich am infektiösesten?

Trotz der infektiösen Natur der Krankheit besteht kein Grund zur Panik.

Mastery of this word involves not just knowing the meaning, but fluidly applying these grammatical rules in real-time conversation.
You are most likely to hear infektiös in environments where health, safety, and biology are the primary topics. In German media, specifically during news broadcasts (Tagesschau or Heute), the word is frequently used to discuss epidemiology. If you work in a hospital (Krankenhaus) or a laboratory in Germany, this word will be part of your daily professional vocabulary. It appears on warning signs, in patient charts, and during medical consultations.
News & Media
Journalists use it to provide factual information about the spread of diseases. 'Die Gesundheitsbehörden warnen vor einer infektiösen Augenerkrankung.'

In den Nachrichten hieß es, dass der neue Erreger extrem infektiös sei.

Medical Settings
Doctors use it to explain risks to patients or colleagues. 'Wir müssen den Patienten isolieren, solange er infektiös ist.'

Der Arzt erklärte mir, dass die Wunde nicht mehr infektiös ist.

Achtung: Zutritt nur für Personal, das mit infektiösen Erregern vertraut ist.

Academic & Educational
In biology class or university lectures, you will hear about 'infektiöse Einzeller' or 'infektiöse Prozesse'.

Heute besprechen wir die infektiösen Eigenschaften von Bakterien.

Ihre gute Laune war so infektiös, dass bald alle im Raum lächelten.

In summary, while 'ansteckend' is the word for the kitchen table, 'infektiös' is the word for the laboratory, the newsroom, and the professional workspace.
The most frequent error English speakers make is assuming the word is spelled exactly like 'infectious'. The German version uses a 'k' instead of a 'c' and ends in '-iös' rather than '-ious'. Another major hurdle is the distinction between infektiös and infiziert.
Infektiös vs. Infiziert
'Infektiös' describes the quality of the pathogen or the state of being able to spread it. 'Infiziert' means 'infected'—the state of having the disease. You can be infiziert without being infektiös (e.g., if the viral load is low).

Falsch: Er ist sehr infektiös mit der Grippe. (Should be: Er ist mit der Grippe infiziert.)

Spelling Errors
Learners often write 'infectiös' or 'infektiuous'. Remember: German likes 'k' for hard 'c' sounds in Latin roots, and the ending is always '-iös' for these types of adjectives (like 'nervös' or 'mysteriös').

Korrekt: Die Substanz ist infektiös. (Check the 'k' and the 'ö'.)

Der Patient ist nicht infektiös, aber er ist infektionsgefährdet wegen seines schwachen Immunsystems.

Grammar: Adjective Endings
Because it is a longer adjective, learners sometimes forget to decline it properly in complex sentences. 'Wegen des infektiösen Materials' (Genitive) requires the '-en' ending.

Man muss den Umgang mit infektiösem Material (Dative) streng regeln.

Diese Chemikalie ist giftig, aber nicht infektiös.

Avoiding these pitfalls will make your German sound much more precise and professional.
To enrich your vocabulary, it is important to know the nuances between infektiös and its synonyms. While they all relate to spreading something, their register and specific meaning vary.
Ansteckend
The most common alternative. It is used in everyday life for colds, flu, and also metaphorically for laughter. It is less clinical than 'infektiös'.

Ist deine Erkältung noch ansteckend? (More natural than using 'infektiös' here.)

Übertragbar
Means 'transmissible' or 'transferable'. Often used in the context of 'übertragbare Krankheiten' (communicable diseases). It describes the possibility of the disease moving from A to B.

HIV ist eine übertragbare Infektion, aber man wird nicht durch bloßes Händeschütteln infiziert.

Die Pocken sind hochgradig kontagiös.

Mitreißend
A great metaphorical alternative. If you want to say someone's enthusiasm is 'infectious' but want to sound more positive and less 'medical', use 'mitreißend'.

Seine Rede war so mitreißend, dass alle sofort mitmachen wollten.

Nach der Desinfektion ist die Oberfläche praktisch keimfrei.

Choosing the right word depends on whether you are in a doctor's office, a science lab, or having coffee with a friend.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

In the Middle Ages, 'infection' was thought to be caused by 'miasma' or bad air, long before bacteria were discovered.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /ɪnfɛkˈtjøːs/
US /ɪnfɛkˈtjoʊs/
The stress is on the last syllable: in-fek-TIÖS.
Rima com
mysteriös nervös monströs kurios famös religiös preziös dubios
Erros comuns
  • Pronouncing it like 'infectious' with a 'sh' sound.
  • Forgetting the 'ö' sound.
  • Putting the stress on the first syllable.
  • Replacing the 'k' with a 'c' sound in writing.
  • Missing the 'i' before the 'ö'.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 3/5

Easy to recognize because of the English cognate 'infectious'.

Escrita 5/5

Spelling with 'k' and 'ö' can be tricky for beginners.

Expressão oral 4/5

Pronouncing the 'ö' correctly requires practice.

Audição 3/5

Clear pronunciation in formal German makes it easy to spot.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

krank die Krankheit das Blut der Körper reinigen

Aprenda a seguir

die Infektion infizieren die Epidemie die Prävention das Immunsystem

Avançado

die Pathogenität die Virulenz die Inkubationszeit die Kontamination die Prophylaxe

Gramática essencial

Adjective Declension

ein infektiöser Patient (Masculine Nominative)

Comparative Forms

infektiöser, am infektiösesten

Word Formation with -iös

mysteriös, religiös, nervös

Prepositions with Dative

mit infektiösem Material

Genitive Case

wegen der infektiösen Gefahr

Exemplos por nível

1

Ist das infektiös?

Is that infectious?

Simple predicative use of the adjective.

2

Die Grippe ist infektiös.

The flu is infectious.

Subject + verb + adjective.

3

Sei vorsichtig, es ist infektiös.

Be careful, it is infectious.

Imperative sentence with an adjective.

4

Ist Wasser infektiös?

Is water infectious?

Interrogative sentence.

5

Das ist nicht infektiös.

That is not infectious.

Negative sentence with 'nicht'.

6

Meine Katze ist nicht infektiös.

My cat is not infectious.

Possessive pronoun + noun.

7

Der Müll ist infektiös.

The trash is infectious.

Definite article + noun.

8

Er ist krank und infektiös.

He is sick and infectious.

Connecting two adjectives with 'und'.

1

Waschen Sie Ihre Hände, denn Bakterien sind infektiös.

Wash your hands because bacteria are infectious.

Conjunction 'denn' introducing a clause.

2

Ein infektiöser Husten ist gefährlich.

An infectious cough is dangerous.

Attributive use: masculine nominative ending '-er'.

3

Die Wunde sieht nicht infektiös aus.

The wound does not look infectious.

Verb 'aussehen' + adjective.

4

Gibt es infektiöse Krankheiten hier?

Are there infectious diseases here?

Plural nominative ending '-e'.

5

Das Kind ist heute noch infektiös.

The child is still infectious today.

Adverb 'noch' modifying the state.

6

Tragen Sie eine Maske bei infektiösen Patienten.

Wear a mask with infectious patients.

Dative plural ending '-en' after 'bei'.

7

Ist diese Flüssigkeit infektiös?

Is this liquid infectious?

Demonstrative pronoun 'diese'.

8

Die Krankenschwester warnt vor infektiösem Material.

The nurse warns about infectious material.

Dative neuter ending '-em' after 'vor'.

1

Ihr Lachen war so infektiös, dass alle mitmachten.

Her laughter was so infectious that everyone joined in.

Metaphorical use of the word.

2

Wir müssen den infektiösen Abfall sicher entsorgen.

We must safely dispose of the infectious waste.

Accusative masculine ending '-en'.

3

Wann ist ein Patient nicht mehr infektiös?

When is a patient no longer infectious?

Phrase 'nicht mehr' (no longer).

4

Es gibt viele infektiöse Erreger in der Luft.

There are many infectious pathogens in the air.

Plural indefinite declension.

5

Die neue Virusvariante ist extrem infektiös.

The new virus variant is extremely infectious.

Adverb 'extrem' as an intensifier.

6

Trotz der infektiösen Natur der Krankheit blieb er ruhig.

Despite the infectious nature of the disease, he remained calm.

Genitive feminine ending '-en' after 'trotz'.

7

Manche Krankheiten sind nur in der ersten Woche infektiös.

Some diseases are only infectious in the first week.

Temporal phrase 'in der ersten Woche'.

8

Das Labor untersucht infektiöse Proben aus Afrika.

The lab is examining infectious samples from Africa.

Accusative plural ending '-e'.

1

Die hohe Infektiösität macht die Eindämmung schwierig.

The high infectivity makes containment difficult.

Noun form 'Infektiösität' (related to the adjective).

2

Ein infektiöser Prozess kann den ganzen Körper schwächen.

An infectious process can weaken the whole body.

Masculine nominative 'ein ... -er'.

3

Die Behörden stufen das Material als hochgradig infektiös ein.

The authorities classify the material as highly infectious.

Verb 'einstufen als' + adjective.

4

Es ist wichtig, infektiöse von nicht-infektiösen Patienten zu trennen.

It is important to separate infectious from non-infectious patients.

Adjective used as a noun in a comparison.

5

Seine Begeisterung wirkte auf uns alle infektiös.

His enthusiasm had an infectious effect on all of us.

Verb 'wirken' + adjective.

6

Die Forschung sucht nach Wegen, das Virus weniger infektiös zu machen.

Research is looking for ways to make the virus less infectious.

Comparative structure 'weniger ...'.

7

Wegen des infektiösen Risikos wurde die Schule geschlossen.

Because of the infectious risk, the school was closed.

Genitive masculine ending '-en' after 'wegen'.

8

Die Studie befasst sich mit infektiösen Krankheiten in Ballungsräumen.

The study deals with infectious diseases in urban areas.

Dative plural ending '-en' after 'mit'.

1

Die Virulenz eines Erregers bestimmt, wie infektiös er ist.

The virulence of a pathogen determines how infectious it is.

Indirect question with 'wie'.

2

Medizinisches Personal ist oft hochinfektiösen Umgebungen ausgesetzt.

Medical staff is often exposed to highly infectious environments.

Compound adjective 'hochinfektiös'.

3

Die infektiöse Last kann durch Medikamente gesenkt werden.

The infectious load can be lowered by medication.

Passive voice 'kann ... gesenkt werden'.

4

Trotz strenger Hygiene kam es zu einem infektiösen Ausbruch.

Despite strict hygiene, an infectious outbreak occurred.

Genitive feminine with 'trotz'.

5

Die Dynamik infektiöser Ausbreitung ist mathematisch modellierbar.

The dynamics of infectious spread can be mathematically modeled.

Genitive plural without article '-er'.

6

Man muss zwischen infektiösen und toxischen Substanzen differenzieren.

One must differentiate between infectious and toxic substances.

Dative plural after 'zwischen'.

7

Der Artikel analysiert die infektiöse Kraft von Fake News.

The article analyzes the infectious power of fake news.

Metaphorical use in social science.

8

Ein infektiöses Agens wurde im Trinkwasser nachgewiesen.

An infectious agent was detected in the drinking water.

Neuter nominative 'ein ... -es'.

1

Die Subtilität, mit der sich der infektiöse Keim verbreitet, ist besorgniserregend.

The subtlety with which the infectious germ spreads is worrying.

Relative clause with 'mit der'.

2

In der Literatur wird Melancholie oft als ein infektiöser Zustand dargestellt.

In literature, melancholy is often portrayed as an infectious state.

Passive voice + metaphorical use.

3

Die pathogenetische Potenz des infektiösen Agens variiert je nach Wirt.

The pathogenetic potency of the infectious agent varies depending on the host.

Highly technical vocabulary.

4

Man debattiert über die ethische Vertretbarkeit des Umgangs mit hochinfektiösen Proben.

There is a debate about the ethical justification of handling highly infectious samples.

Complex noun-preposition structure.

5

Die infektiöse Aura des charismatischen Führers blendete die Massen.

The infectious aura of the charismatic leader blinded the masses.

Figurative/Literary use.

6

Die Evolution begünstigt Stämme, die zwar weniger tödlich, aber dafür infektiöser sind.

Evolution favors strains that are less deadly but more infectious in return.

Comparison with 'zwar... aber dafür'.

7

Die Dekontamination infektiöser Areale erfordert spezialisierte Teams.

The decontamination of infectious areas requires specialized teams.

Genitive plural declension.

8

Die soziologische Forschung betrachtet Panik als ein infektiöses Phänomen.

Sociological research views panic as an infectious phenomenon.

Adjective used in social theory.

Colocações comuns

hochgradig infektiös
infektiöser Abfall
infektiöse Krankheit
infektiöses Lachen
potenziell infektiös
infektiöser Erreger
infektiöses Material
leicht infektiös
klinisch infektiös
infektiöse Phase

Frases Comuns

Etwas ist infektiös.

— Something is capable of spreading infection.

Diese Probe ist infektiös.

Ein infektiöses Lächeln haben.

— To have a smile that makes others smile.

Sie hat ein wirklich infektiöses Lächeln.

Infektiös wirken.

— To appear or act as something that spreads.

Seine Angst wirkte infektiös auf die Menge.

Als infektiös gelten.

— To be considered infectious by authorities.

Wer Symptome hat, gilt als infektiös.

Infektiös bleiben.

— To continue being able to spread germs.

Man bleibt bis zu zehn Tage infektiös.

Hochinfektiös sein.

— To be extremely easy to catch.

Masern sind hochinfektiös.

Infektiöse Stoffe.

— Biological substances that are dangerous.

Der LKW transportiert infektiöse Stoffe.

Nicht mehr infektiös sein.

— To be safe to be around others again.

Nach der Therapie ist er nicht mehr infektiös.

Infektiöser Herd.

— The source or center of an infection.

Die Küche war der infektiöse Herd.

Infektiöse Natur.

— The quality of being transmissible.

Die infektiöse Natur des Virus ist bekannt.

Frequentemente confundido com

infektiös vs infiziert

Means 'infected'. A person is infiziert, but the disease is infektiös.

infektiös vs ansteckend

Very similar, but 'ansteckend' is more common in casual speech.

infektiös vs giftig

Means 'toxic' or 'poisonous'. Biological vs. chemical danger.

Expressões idiomáticas

"Gähnen ist infektiös."

— When one person yawns, others do too.

Hör auf zu gähnen, das ist infektiös!

informal
"Ein infektiöses Wesen haben."

— To have a personality that influences everyone.

Sein infektiöses Wesen belebt jede Party.

neutral
"Sich infektiös ausbreiten."

— To spread rapidly like a disease (used for news).

Die Nachricht breitete sich infektiös im Netz aus.

journalistic
"Infektiöse Begeisterung."

— Enthusiasm that catches on with others.

Ihre infektiöse Begeisterung für Kunst ist toll.

neutral
"Ein infektiöser Gedanke."

— An idea that sticks and spreads to others.

Das ist ein infektiöser Gedanke, den wir verfolgen sollten.

literary
"Infektiöses Schweigen."

— A silence that makes everyone else quiet too.

Ein infektiöses Schweigen breitete sich im Raum aus.

literary
"Infektiöse Panik."

— Fear that spreads instantly through a crowd.

Vermeiden Sie infektiöse Panik in der Gruppe.

journalistic
"Infektiöse Gier."

— Greed that influences others to act the same.

Die infektiöse Gier an der Börse führte zum Crash.

economic
"Infektiöser Optimismus."

— A positive outlook that spreads to others.

Wir brauchen jetzt seinen infektiösen Optimismus.

neutral
"Infektiöser Rhythmus."

— A beat that makes everyone want to dance.

Die Band spielte einen infektiösen Rhythmus.

artistic

Fácil de confundir

infektiös vs infektiös

Spelling

German uses 'k' and 'ö', English uses 'c' and 'ious'.

Das Virus ist infektiös.

infektiös vs Infektion

Noun vs. Adjective

Infektion is the noun (the infection), infektiös is the adjective.

Die Infektion ist infektiös.

infektiös vs kontagiös

Meaning

Kontagiös is specifically about transmission by touch; infektiös is broader.

Ebola ist hochgradig kontagiös.

infektiös vs virulent

Meaning

Virulent refers to the severity of the disease; infektiös refers to the spread.

Ein virulenter Stamm.

infektiös vs septisch

Medical context

Septisch refers to a systemic infection in the blood (sepsis).

Die Wunde wurde septisch.

Padrões de frases

A2

Subjekt + ist + infektiös.

Die Grippe ist infektiös.

B1

Ein/Eine + [Adjektiv-Endung] + Nomen + ist + gefährlich.

Ein infektiöser Husten ist gefährlich.

B1

Wegen + [Genitiv] + Nomen...

Wegen der infektiösen Krankheit blieb er zu Hause.

B2

Etwas + wirkt + infektiös + auf + jemanden.

Sein Lachen wirkte infektiös auf die Klasse.

B2

Sich + als + infektiös + erweisen.

Die Probe erwies sich als infektiös.

C1

Je + [Komparativ], + desto + [Komparativ].

Je infektiöser das Virus ist, desto schneller verbreitet es sich.

C1

Trotz + [Genitiv] + Adjektiv + Nomen...

Trotz infektiöser Gefahr arbeiteten sie weiter.

C2

Inmitten + [Genitiv] + Nomen...

Inmitten einer infektiösen Atmosphäre fühlte er sich unwohl.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

die Infektion
das Infektionsrisiko
der Infekt
die Infektiösität
das Desinfektionsmittel

Verbos

infizieren
desinfizieren
anstecken

Adjetivos

infektiös
infektiologisch
infektiösitätsmindernd
infektiösitätssteigernd

Relacionado

das Virus
das Bakterium
die Krankheit
die Hygiene
die Quarantäne

Como usar

frequency

Very high in medical and news contexts; medium in daily life.

Erros comuns
  • infectiös infektiös

    German uses 'k' instead of 'c' in this word.

  • Er ist sehr infektiös mit Corona. Er ist mit Corona infiziert.

    Use 'infiziert' for the person having the disease, and 'infektiös' for the transmission.

  • infektiuous infektiös

    Do not use the English ending '-ious'.

  • das infektöse Material das infektiöse Material

    Don't forget the 'i' before the 'ö'.

  • Die Krankheit ist ansteckend, aber nicht infektiös. Die Krankheit ist ansteckend/infektiös.

    These words mean the same thing; you can't be one but not the other.

Dicas

The K-Rule

Remember: German medical terms from Latin often use 'k'. Infektiös, Bakterie, Klinik.

Hospital Talk

When in a German hospital, look for signs saying 'Infektiöser Abfall' to avoid dangerous bins.

Spread Joy

Use 'infektiös' to compliment someone's laughter. It sounds sophisticated and poetic.

Ending Check

Don't forget the 'en' ending in plural: 'infektiöse Krankheiten'.

Word Family

Learn 'infizieren' (to infect) alongside 'infektiös' to expand your verbs.

Warning Signs

If you see 'Vorsicht: Infektiös', do not enter without permission.

The Long Ö

The 'ö' in 'infektiös' is long. Hold the sound a bit longer than the 'e' in 'bed'.

Formal Reports

In a B1 or B2 writing exam about health, use 'infektiös' instead of 'ansteckend' for a better score.

News Keywords

When you hear 'infektiös' on the news, the topic is usually a pandemic or a new discovery.

The Round Germ

Visualize the dots on the 'ö' as two tiny germs. It helps you remember the spelling!

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of 'In-FECT-ious'. The 'FECT' is like a 'FACT'—it is a biological fact that it spreads. In German, just add the 'ö' like a round germ.

Associação visual

Imagine a bright red warning sign with a 'K' in the middle, surrounded by little 'ö' shapes representing viruses.

Word Web

Krankheit Virus Bakterien Ansteckung Labor Arzt Lachen Gefahr

Desafio

Try to use 'infektiös' three times today: once for health, once for a mood, and once in a question.

Origem da palavra

Derived from the Latin 'infectio' (a staining, dyeing, or infecting) and the suffix '-osus' (full of).

Significado original: Originally referred to the process of staining or corrupting something.

Indo-European, via Latin and French influence into German.

Contexto cultural

Be careful when calling a person 'infektiös' as it can sound dehumanizing; it is better to say they have an 'infektiöse Krankheit'.

English speakers often use 'infectious' and 'contagious' interchangeably, but in German, 'infektiös' is the more formal/scientific choice.

Robert Koch Institute (RKI) reports Infektionsschutzgesetz (German Law) Thomas Mann's 'The Magic Mountain' (medical themes)

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Hospital

  • Ist der Patient infektiös?
  • Tragen Sie Schutzkleidung.
  • Infektiöser Abfall hier.
  • Isolierzimmer.

Laboratory

  • Die Probe ist infektiös.
  • Sicherheitsstufe 4.
  • Vorsicht beim Pipettieren.
  • Kontaminationsgefahr.

News/Media

  • Ein infektiöser Ausbruch.
  • Die Gesundheitsbehörde warnt.
  • Steigende Infektionszahlen.
  • Neue Virusvariante.

Social Life

  • Dein Lachen ist infektiös.
  • Gute Laune verbreiten.
  • Ein mitreißender Rhythmus.
  • Infektiöser Optimismus.

School/Work

  • Bleib zu Hause, du bist infektiös.
  • Hände desinfizieren.
  • Krankmeldung einreichen.
  • Ansteckungsgefahr vermeiden.

Iniciadores de conversa

"Glaubst du, dass Lachen wirklich so infektiös ist wie eine Krankheit?"

"Wie geht man in deinem Land mit infektiösem Abfall um?"

"Welche Krankheit findest du am gruseligsten, weil sie so infektiös ist?"

"Was tust du, wenn du merkst, dass du für andere infektiös sein könntest?"

"Hast du schon mal erlebt, dass die schlechte Laune einer Person infektiös war?"

Temas para diário

Beschreibe eine Situation, in der die Freude einer anderen Person für dich infektiös war.

Was sind die wichtigsten Maßnahmen, um die Ausbreitung einer infektiösen Krankheit zu stoppen?

Reflektiere über die Zeit der Pandemie: Wie oft hast du das Wort 'infektiös' gehört?

Schreibe einen fiktiven Bericht über einen Wissenschaftler, der einen infektiösen Stoff entdeckt.

Warum ist es wichtig, zwischen 'infiziert' und 'infektiös' zu unterscheiden?

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

Both mean 'infectious'. However, 'ansteckend' is the common, everyday word used for a cold or laughter. 'Infektiös' is more formal and clinical, often used in medical reports or science.

Yes, but it sounds clinical. 'Der Patient ist infektiös' is common in a hospital. In private, you would rather say: 'Er ist noch ansteckend.'

Sometimes, but 'infiziert' is more common for the computer itself. You might say 'ein infektiöser Code' in a very technical or metaphorical sense.

It sounds like 'ee-uhss' with a rounded 'ö'. IPA: /iøːs/.

The most common opposite is 'nicht ansteckend' or 'nicht infektiös'. In specific contexts, 'steril' or 'keimfrei' can be used.

It is always 'infektiös' in German. Never use the English '-ious' ending.

Yes! This is a very common metaphorical use. 'Ihr Optimismus war infektiös' means it spread to everyone.

As an adjective, it doesn't trigger a case itself, but it must agree with the noun it describes in gender, number, and case.

Yes, it is considered B1 level because it is essential for discussing health, which is a key B1 topic.

German often replaces the Latin 'c' with a 'k' in loanwords to match German phonetics (e.g., 'Klasse', 'Kultur').

Teste-se 190 perguntas

writing

Write a sentence using 'infektiös' to describe a virus.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'infektiös' metaphorically.

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writing

Use the word 'infektiös' in a question.

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writing

Describe what a hospital does with infectious waste.

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writing

Compare two diseases using 'infektiöser'.

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writing

Write a warning sign for a laboratory.

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writing

Explain why you are staying home.

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writing

Use 'infektiös' in the Genitive case.

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writing

Write a sentence about a catchy song.

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writing

Use 'infektiös' in the Dative plural.

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writing

Describe a scientist's work.

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writing

Use 'infektiös' with 'hochgradig'.

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writing

Write a sentence about optimism.

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writing

Use the superlative 'am infektiösesten'.

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writing

Describe a medical procedure.

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writing

Use 'infektiös' in a negative sentence.

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writing

Write about a news report.

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writing

Use 'infektiös' to describe air.

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writing

Write a sentence about a school closure.

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writing

Use 'infektiös' in a formal letter.

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speaking

Say 'The virus is infectious.' in German.

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speaking

Say 'Her laughter is infectious.' in German.

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speaking

Say 'Be careful with infectious waste.' in German.

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speaking

Say 'Is the disease still infectious?' in German.

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speaking

Say 'He is no longer infectious.' in German.

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speaking

Say 'Highly infectious material.' in German.

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speaking

Say 'Infectious diseases are dangerous.' in German.

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speaking

Say 'Your joy is infectious!' in German.

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speaking

Say 'A new infectious variant.' in German.

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speaking

Say 'Wash your hands, germs are infectious.' in German.

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speaking

Pronounce 'infektiös' correctly with stress on the last syllable.

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speaking

Say 'Because of the infectious danger.' in German.

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speaking

Say 'An infectious smile.' in German.

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speaking

Say 'Is it infectious through the air?' in German.

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speaking

Say 'The lab tests infectious samples.' in German.

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speaking

Say 'More infectious than before.' in German.

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speaking

Say 'Most infectious of all.' in German.

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speaking

Say 'Potentially infectious.' in German.

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speaking

Say 'The infectious phase.' in German.

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speaking

Say 'Not infectious.' in German.

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listening

Listen and write the word: [infektiös]

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listening

Listen and identify the ending: 'infektiöser' or 'infektiöse'?

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listening

Listen to the sentence: 'Das ist infektiös.' Is it positive or negative?

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listening

Listen: 'Dein Lachen ist infektiös.' Is it a compliment?

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listening

Listen: 'Hochgradig infektiös.' How dangerous is it?

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listening

Listen and write the plural form heard: [infektiöse]

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listening

Listen: 'Nicht mehr infektiös.' Is the person safe now?

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listening

Listen and count the syllables in 'infektiös'.

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listening

Listen to the warning: 'Vorsicht vor infektiösem Material.' What should you avoid?

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listening

Listen: 'Infektiöser als die Grippe.' What is being compared?

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listening

Listen and identify the case: [wegen der infektiösen Gefahr]

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listening

Listen: 'Ein infektiöser Herd.' What does it mean?

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listening

Listen and spell the word: [i-n-f-e-k-t-i-ö-s]

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listening

Listen: 'Die Proben sind infektiös.' What is in the lab?

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listening

Listen: 'Infektiöser Vibe.' Is it slang?

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/ 190 correct

Perfect score!

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