Keime
The English word "germs" is translated into German as Keime.
Keime refers to microscopic organisms that can cause disease.
Which one should you use?
Keime is a general term for germs or microbes. This differs from Bakterien, which is the specific term for bacteria and Mikroben, which is a more scientific synonym for Keime.
How does it change in a sentence?
Keime is the plural form of the noun. The singular form of Keime is Keim.
Did you know?
- The term Keimschleuder is a colloquial, slightly humorous way to describe someone who is a 'germ spreader', literally meaning a 'germ catapult'.
- In German, the phrase den Keim im Erdboden ersticken means to nip something in the bud. It literally describes suffocating a 'germ' or sprout in the soil to prevent it from growing.
- German uses Keim metaphorically to describe the very first spark of an emotion, such as der Keim eines Zweifels for 'the seed of a doubt'.
Examples in context
- Keime können Krankheiten hervorrufen.Germs can cause sickness.This sentence is useful for showing that Keime can cause sickness.Tatoeba #3759086 by Jens_Odo, translation #244203 by CK
- Keime kann man nur unter dem Mikroskop sehen.Germs are visible only under the microscope.This sentence is useful for showing that Keime can only be seen under a microscope.Tatoeba #6694693 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #6693645 by Eccles17
- Keime kann man nur mit Hilfe eines Mikroskops sehen.Germs can only be seen with the aid of a microscope.This sentence is useful for showing that Keime can only be seen with the aid of a microscope.Tatoeba #453948 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #244204 by papabear
- Es ist wichtig, hygienische Maßnahmen zu ergreifen, um Keime zu vermeiden.It is important to take hygienic measures to avoid germs.
- Die Studie untersucht die Ausbreitung von Krankheiten durch Keime.The study investigates the spread of diseases through germs.
- Gestern hatte ich einen Schnupfen. Wahrscheinlich hat mich jemand mit Bakterien angesteckt.Yesterday, I had a cold. Probably someone infected me with germs.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Maximilian are discussing food safety in the kitchen.
- LauraVorsicht, auf dem Obst könnten Keime sein.Watch out, there could be germs on the fruit.
- MaximilianKeime? Das sieht doch ganz sauber aus.Germs? That looks quite clean.
- LauraMan sieht sie einfach nicht mit dem bloßen Auge.You just can't see them with the naked eye.
- MaximilianDu hast recht, ich wasche es lieber schnell.You are right, I will wash it quickly.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
