automatic
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automatic
Moving or functioning by itself, without human intervention or control, as with a machine.
Die Tür des Supermarktes öffnet sich automatisch, wenn man sich nähert.
The supermarket door opens automatically when you approach.
automatic
Happening as an inevitable consequence or without conscious thought; reflexively.
Wenn man seinen Namen hört, dreht man sich ganz automatisch um.
When you hear your name, you turn around completely automatically.
The adjective 'automatisch' (automatic) belongs to the word family of 'der Automat' (machine/vending machine). The ending '-isch' is a typical ending for adjectives formed from nouns.
Viele Fabriken haben eine automatische Produktionslinie.
Many factories have an automatic production line.
'Automatisch' (automatically) is very often used as an adverb to modify a verb. It then describes that an action happens by itself or without thinking.
Das Licht im Flur geht automatisch an.
The light in the hallway turns on automatically.
You can tell from context whether a technical or a human action is meant. If 'automatisch' (automatic/automatically) refers to a machine or device, it is about technology. If it refers to a person, it usually means a reflex-like reaction.
Die Kamera stellt die Schärfe automatisch ein.
The camera adjusts the focus automatically.
In a technical context, 'automatisch' (automatic) is often combined with devices and systems. Typical examples are: automatic door, automatic transmission, automatic email reply, or automatic saving.
Mein E-Mail-Programm sendet eine automatische Antwort, wenn ich im Urlaub bin.
My email program sends an automatic reply when I am on vacation.
When it is about unconscious actions, 'automatisch' (automatically) often appears with verbs of reaction. Typical phrases are: to react automatically, to act automatically, or to make an automatic movement.
Als der Ball auf ihn zuflog, hob er automatisch die Hände.
When the ball flew toward him, he automatically raised his hands.
self-employed / independent
For devices, both words can mean that no one has to intervene constantly. Automatisch emphasizes a process controlled by triggers or fixed procedures, while selbstständig describes a more advanced autonomous function. Use „automatisch“ for the process and „selbstständig“ when the device works independently.
Die Bewässerung startet automatisch jeden Morgen um sechs Uhr.
The irrigation system starts automatically every morning at six o’clock.
Der Roboter findet selbstständig den Weg zurück zur Ladestation.
The robot independently finds its way back to the charging station.
