inorganic
Loading your saved state.
inorganic
Refers to the chemistry of substances that do not come from living organisms and do not contain carbon in the form typical of living beings. It is the opposite of 'organisch' (organic).
Wasser, Salze und Metalle sind Beispiele für anorganische Stoffe.
Water, salts, and metals are examples of inorganic substances.
inorganic
In a figurative sense, it describes something that lacks natural development, vitality, or internal coherence. It appears artificial or unstructured.
Die neue Architektur wirkte in der historischen Altstadt völlig anorganisch.
The new architecture seemed completely inorganic in the historic old town.
The word consists of the prefix 'an-' and the adjective 'organisch' (organic). The prefix 'an-' functions here like 'un-' and negates the base word. So 'anorganisch' means 'not organic'.
Die Chemie beschäftigt sich mit organischen und anorganischen Stoffen.
Chemistry deals with organic and inorganic substances.
In a scientific context, 'anorganisch' (inorganic) is often combined with technical terms. Typical collocations are 'anorganische Chemie' (inorganic chemistry), 'anorganische Stoffe' (inorganic substances), or 'anorganische Salze' (inorganic salts).
Im Chemieunterricht lernten wir die Eigenschaften anorganischer Verbindungen.
In chemistry class, we learned the properties of inorganic compounds.
This meaning belongs primarily to the technical language of the natural sciences, especially chemistry and biology. It is used less often in everyday life.
Für die Analyse benötigen wir eine Probe des anorganischen Materials.
For the analysis, we need a sample of the inorganic material.
The figurative meaning can be recognized from context. It describes things that seem artificial, disharmonious, or without a natural structure, often in the areas of architecture, art, or urban planning.
Das schnelle Wachstum der Stadt wirkte planlos und anorganisch.
The city's rapid growth seemed haphazard and inorganic.
artificial
Künstlich and anorganisch can describe a development that does not seem to have grown naturally. Künstlich emphasizes deliberate creation or imitation, whereas anorganisch emphasizes the lack of internal coherence and vitality. Use anorganisch when the development mainly appears to lack a natural connection.
Die Entwicklung der Gruppe wirkte anorganisch, weil die neuen Mitglieder kaum miteinander verbunden waren.
The group’s development seemed inorganic because the new members were barely connected to one another.
Die Begeisterung für das neue Produkt wirkte künstlich erzeugt.
The enthusiasm for the new product seemed artificially generated.
