die Ruhr
Translation
dysentery
Examples
Die Ruhr ist eine schwere Infektionskrankheit.
Dysentery is a serious infectious disease.
Früher starben viele Menschen an der Ruhr.
In the past, many people died of dysentery.
Grammar Patterns
((an+3)) leiden to suffer from (sth.) Viele Menschen litten an der Ruhr.
Similar Words
Synonyms: Dysenterie
Etymology
From Middle High German 'ruor' (movement, stirring), related to 'rühren' (to stir). The illness causes a 'stirring' in the bowels.
Memory Tips
Don't confuse 'die Ruhr' (dysentery) with the river 'die Ruhr'. Think of the rumbling in the stomach, like something is being 'stirred' (gerührt).