arctic
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arctic
Refers to the Arctic, the region around the North Pole. It describes things that come from there or are typical of this region.
Der arktische Winter ist lang, dunkel und extrem kalt.
The arctic winter is long, dark, and extremely cold.
arctic
Used figuratively to describe extreme, icy cold.
Obwohl die Heizung lief, herrschten im Raum arktische Temperaturen.
Although the heating was on, arctic temperatures prevailed in the room.
The adjective 'arktisch' (arctic) is derived from the noun 'die Arktis' (the Arctic). The ending '-isch' is often used in German to form adjectives from geographical names or technical terms.
Eine arktische Expedition erfordert eine spezielle Ausrüstung.
An arctic expedition requires special equipment.
Adjectives derived from geographical names with the ending '-isch' are written in lowercase. So you write 'der arktische Ozean' (the Arctic Ocean), not 'der Arktische Ozean'.
Die arktische Flora ist an extreme Bedingungen angepasst.
Arctic flora is adapted to extreme conditions.
In its geographical meaning, 'arktisch' (arctic) is often combined with terms from nature and science. Typical examples are 'arktische Tierwelt' (arctic wildlife), 'arktische Kälte' (arctic cold), or 'arktische Forschung' (arctic research).
Eisbären sind ein bekannter Teil der arktischen Tierwelt.
Polar bears are a well-known part of arctic wildlife.
When 'arktisch' (arctic) is not meant geographically, it describes extreme cold. People then speak of 'arktischen Temperaturen' (arctic temperatures) or an 'arktischen Wind' (arctic wind) to emphasize the intensity.
Trotz der dicken Jacke spürte ich den arktischen Wind im Gesicht.
Despite the thick jacket, I felt the arctic wind on my face.
polar
Both words can refer to the regions around the Earth’s poles. „Arktisch“ specifically means the northern polar region, while „polar“ includes both the North Pole and the South Pole. Both words work for the northern region, but only „polar“ is appropriate for the South Pole.
Die Forschungsstation liegt in der arktischen Region nahe dem Nordpol.
The research station is located in the Arctic region near the North Pole.
Die Forschungsstation liegt in der polaren Region nahe dem Südpol.
The research station is located in the polar region near the South Pole.
