fertilization
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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.
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
'die Konzeption' and 'die Befruchtung' can both refer to the biological beginning of a new life. 'Befruchtung' describes more precisely the process in which a male and a female germ cell fuse. The word fits for humans, animals, and plants. In this biological sense, 'Konzeption' refers to the beginning of a pregnancy and sounds very formal. Learners may confuse the words because both are often connected with pregnancy. For the exact biological process, 'Befruchtung' is usually clearer.
Bei vielen Pflanzen geschieht die Befruchtung erst nach der Bestäubung.
In many plants, fertilization happens only after pollination.
Die Ärztin erklärt, dass die Konzeption oft nicht genau auf einen Tag bestimmt werden kann.
The doctor explains that conception often cannot be determined to the exact day.