German for English speakers Townhall · Lesson 3

Symptoms 2

Describe symptoms in German — Ich habe eine Erkältung (I have a cold) — and Kannst du durch die Nase atmen? (Can you breathe through your nose?).

Conversation

  1. Honey Honey

    Ich bin stark erkältet.

    I have a bad cold.

    Tip: <stark> = lit. strong, strongly

  2. Yennifer Yennifer

    Kannst du durch deine Nase atmen?

    Can you breathe through your nose?

  3. Honey Honey

    Ja, aber ich kann nicht so gut schlafen.

    Yes, but I don't sleep well at home.

    Tip: <gut> is word that can be an adjective “good” or an adverb “well”.

  4. Yennifer Yennifer

    Vielleicht müssen wir zum Arzt.

    Maybe we need to go to the doctor.

Common questions

Quick answers about this lesson's grammar and vocabulary.

How do you say 'I have a cold' in German?

Ich habe eine Erkältung. Or: Ich bin erkältet = 'I'm cold-stricken' (using past participle as adjective). Ich habe Grippe = 'I have the flu'.

Respiratory symptoms in German?

Der Husten (cough), die Nase ist zu (stuffy nose), Halsschmerzen (sore throat), kurzatmig (short of breath).

Breathing vocabulary in German?

Atmen (breathe), einatmen (breathe in), ausatmen (breathe out), die Lunge (lungs), die Nase (nose), der Mund (mouth).

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