german measles: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowMedical, Common, Informal
Quick answer
What does “german measles” mean?
A mild infectious disease, primarily of children, causing a red rash and fever.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A mild infectious disease, primarily of children, causing a red rash and fever.
A common name for rubella, a contagious viral infection characterized by a distinctive red rash. While often mild, infection during early pregnancy can cause severe congenital defects in the fetus (congenital rubella syndrome).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both dialects use the term 'german measles' informally, but the clinical term 'rubella' is standard in both. No significant dialectal difference in usage of the term itself.
Connotations
Informal, slightly old-fashioned. The use of 'german' is often capitalized ('German measles') in American English, while British English frequently uses lower case.
Frequency
Declining in frequency in both dialects due to widespread vaccination programs and the preference for the term 'rubella' in public health and medical communication.
Grammar
How to Use “german measles” in a Sentence
[Subject] has/catches german measles.[Subject] was diagnosed with german measles.An outbreak of german measles [occurred/v-erb].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “german measles” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The german measles outbreak was contained quickly.
- She had a confirmed german measles infection.
American English
- The German measles vaccine is part of the MMR shot.
- He showed classic German measles symptoms.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in HR/occupational health contexts regarding employee sickness or vaccination policies.
Academic
Used in historical or layperson contexts; 'rubella' is the required term in medical and biological papers.
Everyday
The primary context, though 'rubella' is also common. Often used by older generations.
Technical
Avoided in favour of the precise term 'rubella'. Used only when explaining the condition to patients or the public.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “german measles”
Strong
Neutral
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “german measles”
- Misspelling as 'germen measles' or 'german measels'.
- Confusing it with standard measles (rubeola), which is more severe.
- Using an incorrect article (e.g., 'a german measles'). It is generally non-countable (e.g., 'She has german measles').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. German measles (rubella) and measles (rubeola) are different diseases caused by different viruses. Measles is typically more severe.
The 'german' is likely from the Latin 'germanus' (similar), describing its similarity to other diseases, not from the country. It was first described in detail by German physicians.
For children, it is usually mild. The major danger is to unborn babies if a pregnant woman contracts it, which can lead to serious birth defects (congenital rubella syndrome).
It is very rare. Infection usually provides lifelong immunity, as does vaccination with the MMR vaccine.
A mild infectious disease, primarily of children, causing a red rash and fever.
German measles is usually medical, common, informal in register.
German measles: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdʒɜː.mən ˈmiː.zəlz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdʒɝː.mən ˈmiː.zəlz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'German' sounds like 'germ-in', as in 'germs are in' causing the measles.
Conceptual Metaphor
DISEASE IS AN INVADER.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary reason the term 'german measles' is falling out of use in professional settings?