Usage Note
Erkältung refers to a mild viral upper-respiratory infection. Eine Erkältung haben is the standard phrase; Germans often say sich erkälten for the act of catching cold. Not to be confused with Grippe (influenza).
Examples
"Sie liegt mit einer Erkältung im Bett und trinkt Tee."
Natural Translation
She is in bed with a cold and drinking tea.
Literal Translation
She lies with a cold in the bed and drinks tea.
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