die Erkältung
Translation
a cold, common cold
Examples
Ich habe eine starke Erkältung.
I have a bad cold.
Eine Erkältung dauert meist eine Woche.
A cold usually lasts a week.
Grammar Patterns
to have a cold. I think I have a cold.
to catch a cold. Don't catch a cold!
Similar Words
Synonyms: grippaler Infekt (flu-like infection); Antonyms: die Gesundheit (health)
Etymology
From the verb 'sich erkälten' (to catch a cold), which comes from 'kalt' (cold). The '-ung' suffix forms a noun.
Memory Tips
Imagine getting too 'kalt' (cold) and then catching an 'Erkältung' (a cold). The words are directly related.