This is the 6661st most frequent German word.
erkältung
A common cold.
The word 'Erkältung' is employed here to describe the common illness known as a cold.
Ich habe eine Erkältung und brauche Ruhe.
I have a cold and need rest.
In this case, 'Erkältung' emphasizes the result of exposure to cold weather, which led to catching a cold.
Er hat sich durch den kalten Wind eine Erkältung eingefangen.
He caught a cold due to the chilly wind.
Here, 'Erkältung' is used to generally discuss the typical duration of the illness.