der Krankheitserreger
Translation
pathogen, germ
Examples
Viren und Bakterien sind Krankheitserreger.
Viruses and bacteria are pathogens.
Das Immunsystem bekämpft den Krankheitserreger.
The immune system fights the pathogen.
Grammar Patterns
((der Krankheitserreger)) as subject The pathogen is... Der Krankheitserreger ist sehr ansteckend.
((den Krankheitserreger)) as accusative object to fight the pathogen Das Medikament bekämpft den Krankheitserreger.
Similar Words
der Keim (germ), das Bakterium (bacterium), das Virus (virus)
Etymology
From 'Krankheit' (illness) + 'Erreger' (causative agent, from 'erregen' meaning to excite or cause). Literally an "illness-causer".
Memory Tips
Think of it as the agent that 'excites' or 'stirs up' an illness. 'Erreger' is the exciter.