der Erreger
Translation
pathogen, agent, germ
Examples
Viren sind bekannte Erreger von Krankheiten.
Viruses are well-known pathogens of diseases.
Der Arzt sucht nach dem Erreger der Infektion.
The doctor is searching for the agent of the infection.
Grammar Patterns
pathogen of ((sth.dat)) Viren sind die Erreger von vielen Krankheiten.
Similar Words
Synonyms: Krankheitserreger, Keim; Antonyms: Heilmittel (remedy), Antikörper (antibody).
Etymology
From the verb 'erregen' (to cause, to excite) and the agent suffix '-er'. It literally means 'the one that causes/excites' (a disease).
Memory Tips
Think of 'erregen' as 'to stir up' trouble. An 'Erreger' is a 'trouble-stirrer' in your body that causes illness.