aging
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aging
The natural biological process of growing older in living beings, associated with physical and mental changes.
Die Forschung versucht, die Prozesse der menschlichen Alterung zu verlangsamen.
Research is trying to slow down the processes of human aging.
'Alterung' (aging) is the nominalization of the verb 'altern' (to age). The ending '-ung' turns the activity, 'altern' (aging), into a process, 'die Alterung' (aging).
Viele Menschen möchten den Prozess der Alterung aufhalten.
Many people want to stop the process of aging.
The context makes the meaning clear: if it is about living beings, such as people, animals, or skin, the biological process is meant. If it is about things, such as material, wine, cheese, or technology, it refers to the change in material properties.
Die Alterung der Haut kann durch Sonnenlicht beschleunigt werden.
The aging of the skin can be accelerated by sunlight.
In the biological context, 'Alterung' (aging) is often combined with verbs that describe influencing the process, e.g. 'die Alterung verlangsamen' (to slow down aging), 'aufhalten' (to stop), or 'erforschen' (to research). Another important topic is 'die Alterung der Gesellschaft' (the aging of society), in demographics.
Die Alterung der Gesellschaft stellt das Rentensystem vor Herausforderungen.
The aging of society poses challenges for the pension system.
While the aging of materials is often negative, for example with plastic, it can also be positive for certain products. With wine, cheese, or whisky, 'Alterung' (aging) is a maturation process that improves quality.
Die lange Alterung im Eichenfass gibt diesem Whisky sein besonderes Aroma.
The long aging in oak barrels gives this whisky its special aroma.
decay / disintegration
'der Zerfall' and 'die Alterung' can both describe something changing over time and getting worse. However, 'Alterung' is the normal process in which materials or products change their properties because of time and external influences. This can also be neutral or even positive, for example with some foods. 'Zerfall' sounds stronger: something loses its structure, breaks down, or falls apart. If time is simply leaving its traces, 'Alterung' is more suitable. If something no longer holds together or no longer works, 'Zerfall' is more precise.
Die Alterung des Kunststoffs macht das Material mit der Zeit spröde.
The aging of the plastic makes the material brittle over time.
Nach Jahren ohne Pflege begann der Zerfall der alten Brücke.
After years without maintenance, the decay of the old bridge began.