der/die Erkrankte
Translation
sick person, patient, the afflicted
Examples
Die Erkrankte wurde sofort behandelt.
The female patient was treated immediately.
Jeder Erkrankte erhält die beste Pflege.
Every sick person receives the best care.
Grammar Patterns
der Erkrankte (nominalised adjective, weak declension) The condition of the sick man is stable. Der Zustand des Erkrankten ist stabil.
ein Erkrankter (nominalised adjective, strong/mixed declension) A sick man was admitted. Ein Erkrankter wurde eingeliefert.
die Erkrankten (plural) The number of sick people has risen. Die Zahl der Erkrankten ist gestiegen.
Similar Words
Etymology
From the verb 'erkranken' (to fall ill). The prefix 'er-' indicates the beginning of a process, and 'krank' means sick. Thus, 'one who has become sick'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'er-' as 'entering' a state. An 'Erkrankte' is someone who has entered the state of being 'krank' (sick).