fertilization
die Befruchtung, die Befruchtungen
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fertilization
The biological process in which a male and a female germ cell, such as a sperm cell and an egg cell, fuse in order to initiate the beginning of a new living being. This applies to animals and plants.
Nach der Befruchtung beginnt die Eizelle, sich zu teilen.
After fertilization, the egg cell begins to divide.
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Befruchtungen |
| genitive | der Befruchtung |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Befruchtung | die Befruchtungen |
| accusative | die Befruchtung | die Befruchtungen |
| dative | der Befruchtung | den Befruchtungen |
| genitive | der Befruchtung | der Befruchtungen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
The noun 'Befruchtung' (fertilization) is derived from the verb 'befruchten' (to fertilize). This verb is formed from the noun 'die Frucht' (the fruit) and literally means 'to make fertile'. The ending '-ung' turns the action into a noun.
Die Befruchtung der Blüte erfolgt durch Bienen.
Fertilization of the flower is carried out by bees.
'Befruchtung' (fertilization) is a formal and scientific term used mainly in biology and medicine. In everyday language, people would often use simpler paraphrases depending on the situation.
Im Biologieunterricht haben wir über die Befruchtung bei Säugetieren gesprochen.
In biology class, we talked about fertilization in mammals.
This noun is often used in fixed combinations. Especially common are 'künstliche Befruchtung' (artificial insemination/fertilization) and the phrase 'die Befruchtung findet statt' (fertilization takes place).
Viele Paare entscheiden sich für eine künstliche Befruchtung.
Many couples decide to have artificial insemination.
design / conception
Konzeption and Befruchtung can both refer to the biological beginning of a pregnancy, or to the process of conception. Befruchtung directly names the fusion of the egg and sperm cells, while Konzeption is more technical and less common for this meaning. In everyday language, Befruchtung is usually the clearer choice.
Die Befruchtung der Eizelle gilt als Beginn der Schwangerschaft.
The fertilization of the egg is considered the beginning of the pregnancy.
In dem medizinischen Bericht wird die Konzeption als Beginn der Schwangerschaft beschrieben.
The medical report describes conception as the beginning of the pregnancy.
