Antibiotika nehmen
To take antibiotics
Literalmente: Antibiotics take
Use this phrase to explain a serious medical treatment or why you're avoiding alcohol at a party.
En 15 segundos
- Used for bacterial infections and medical treatments.
- The plural form 'Antibiotika' is used most often.
- A common reason to decline alcohol in social settings.
Significado
This is what you say when you're on a course of medicine to fight a bacterial infection. It's the standard way to tell someone you're following a doctor's orders to get well.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6At the doctor's office
Muss ich wirklich Antibiotika nehmen?
Do I really have to take antibiotics?
Declining a drink at a bar
Nein danke, ich nehme gerade Antibiotika.
No thanks, I'm taking antibiotics right now.
Texting a friend to cancel plans
Ich bleibe heute im Bett, ich nehme seit gestern Antibiotika.
I'm staying in bed today; I've been taking antibiotics since yesterday.
Contexto cultural
In Germany, there is a strong emphasis on 'Natürliche Heilung' (natural healing). Antibiotics are seen as a last resort, making the phrase carry more weight than in some other cultures. It's also the ultimate social excuse to avoid alcohol, which is otherwise deeply embedded in German social life.
The 'No Alcohol' Rule
In Germany, if you say you're taking antibiotics, people will assume you can't touch a drop of alcohol. It's the most respected excuse for staying sober.
Plural is Key
Always use 'Antibiotika' (plural) even if you're just talking about one type of pill. The singular 'Antibiotikum' sounds very technical and academic.
En 15 segundos
- Used for bacterial infections and medical treatments.
- The plural form 'Antibiotika' is used most often.
- A common reason to decline alcohol in social settings.
What It Means
When you say Antibiotika nehmen, you're talking about a specific medical routine. You aren't just taking a quick aspirin for a headache. You are following a multi-day plan to kill off bad bacteria. In German, Antibiotika is actually the plural form. Even if you're taking one type of pill, you usually use the plural. It sounds serious but very common during flu season.
How To Use It
You use this phrase just like 'to take medicine' in English. The verb nehmen changes based on who is taking the pills. For example, Ich nehme (I take) or Er nimmt (He takes). You will often see it paired with müssen (must). Ich muss Antibiotika nehmen is a classic sentence. It explains why you might be feeling a bit sluggish or why you're skipping the party tonight.
When To Use It
Use this phrase at the doctor's office or the pharmacy. It's also the perfect 'get out of jail free' card at social events. If someone offers you a cold German beer and you can't drink, just say this. People will immediately understand and stop pressuring you. You can also use it when texting a friend to explain why you're canceling plans. It signals that you are actually sick, not just tired.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for vitamins or herbal supplements. For those, you just say Vitamine nehmen. Also, don't use it for a simple viral cold. Germans are quite medically literate and might correct you! If you're just taking a painkiller, use Schmerzmittel instead. Using Antibiotika for a small sniffle sounds a bit dramatic or medically incorrect. Keep it for the real bacterial stuff.
Cultural Background
Germans have a complex relationship with antibiotics. Doctors here are much more hesitant to prescribe them than in the US or UK. They often suggest Hausmittel (home remedies) like onion juice or tea first. If a German tells you they are Antibiotika nehmen, it means they are truly sick. It’s a sign that the 'tea and rest' phase has officially failed. There is also a very strong cultural rule: no alcohol while on them.
Common Variations
You might hear eine Antibiotika-Kur machen. This emphasizes the full 'course' of the treatment. Another common one is verschrieben bekommen. This means 'to get them prescribed.' If you want to be more specific about the pills, you could say Tabletten einnehmen. But in daily life, Antibiotika nehmen is the king of phrases. It’s simple, direct, and everyone knows exactly what it implies.
Notas de uso
The phrase is neutral and safe for all contexts. Remember that 'Antibiotika' is plural, so the verb must agree if it's the subject (though usually 'I' or 'He' is the subject).
The 'No Alcohol' Rule
In Germany, if you say you're taking antibiotics, people will assume you can't touch a drop of alcohol. It's the most respected excuse for staying sober.
Plural is Key
Always use 'Antibiotika' (plural) even if you're just talking about one type of pill. The singular 'Antibiotikum' sounds very technical and academic.
Don't stop early!
If a German doctor tells you to 'die Kur zu Ende machen' (finish the course), they mean it. Stopping early is a big cultural no-no.
Ejemplos
6Muss ich wirklich Antibiotika nehmen?
Do I really have to take antibiotics?
A common question when you're hoping for a natural cure instead.
Nein danke, ich nehme gerade Antibiotika.
No thanks, I'm taking antibiotics right now.
The perfect polite way to refuse alcohol without further questions.
Ich bleibe heute im Bett, ich nehme seit gestern Antibiotika.
I'm staying in bed today; I've been taking antibiotics since yesterday.
Explains the severity of the illness quickly.
Er ist krankgeschrieben, weil er Antibiotika nehmen muss.
He is on sick leave because he has to take antibiotics.
Using 'muss' shows it's a doctor's requirement.
Mein Frühstück besteht momentan nur aus Antibiotika und Tee.
My breakfast currently consists only of antibiotics and tea.
A lighthearted way to complain about being very sick.
Das Baby muss leider schon wieder Antibiotika nehmen.
Unfortunately, the baby has to take antibiotics again.
Expresses concern over a recurring illness.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the correct verb form for 'I'.
Ich ___ seit drei Tagen Antibiotika.
For the first person singular (Ich), the verb 'nehmen' becomes 'nehme'.
Choose the correct noun to complete the medical phrase.
Der Arzt sagt, ich muss ___ nehmen.
In German, the plural 'Antibiotika' is the standard way to refer to the medication in general usage.
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Ayudas visuales
Formality of 'Antibiotika nehmen'
Texting a friend about why you're staying home.
Nehme Antibiotika, bin k.o.
Explaining to a host why you're drinking water.
Ich nehme gerade Antibiotika.
Discussing a treatment plan with a medical professional.
Wie lange muss ich die Antibiotika nehmen?
Where to use 'Antibiotika nehmen'
Pharmacy
Ich muss dieses Rezept für Antibiotika einlösen.
Birthday Party
Kein Sekt für mich, ich nehme Antibiotika.
Workplace
Ich nehme Antibiotika und arbeite heute von zu Hause.
Doctor's Office
Verschreiben Sie mir Antibiotika?
Preguntas frecuentes
12 preguntasIt is plural. The singular is Antibiotikum, but in 99% of conversations, you will use the plural Antibiotika.
No, fressen is for animals. Even if you're taking a lot of pills, stick to nehmen or schlucken (to swallow) for a more casual feel.
You usually say Ich nehme gerade Antibiotika. There isn't a direct equivalent to 'I am on...' that sounds as natural as using the verb nehmen.
Yes, it's a neutral, factual phrase. It tells your boss you have a real infection without sharing too many 'gross' details.
Yes, very strictly. It is a very common cultural belief that alcohol 'cancels out' the medicine or causes a dangerous reaction.
You still use nehmen. The phrase Antibiotika nehmen covers pills, liquids, and capsules.
You can, but it sounds like you just *possess* them. To say you are currently using them, Ich nehme Antibiotika is much better.
Yes! You can say Der Hund muss Antibiotika nehmen. It works for any living thing receiving the treatment.
In a medical report, you might see einnehmen. For example: Die Tabletten sind vor dem Essen einzunehmen.
You can ask: Musst du Antibiotika nehmen? This is a common way to show concern when a friend looks very ill.
Not really, but people might say Ich pfeif mir Antibiotika rein if they are being very informal and a bit reckless with their language.
Usually, nehmen implies something you do yourself (like a pill). If it's an IV, you'd say Ich bekomme Antibiotika (I am receiving antibiotics).
Frases relacionadas
Tabletten schlucken
To swallow pills (more casual/physical)
Ein Rezept einlösen
To fill a prescription at the pharmacy
Krankgeschrieben sein
To be officially on sick leave
Gute Besserung!
Get well soon!
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