This is the 13803rd most frequent German word.
erkrankten
"Erkrankten" means "fell ill" or "became sick."
In this sentence, 'erkrankten' is used as an adjective derived from the verb 'erkranken', describing the state of the individuals who became ill.
Die erkrankten Personen wurden von der Ärztin untersucht.
The sick individuals were examined by the doctor.
Here, 'erkrankten' functions as an adjective to modify 'Tieren', indicating that the animals are ill.
Erkrankten Tieren wird besondere Pflege zuteil.
Sick animals receive special care.
In this sentence, 'erkrankten' is the past tense plural form of the verb 'erkranken', describing the action of becoming ill.