die Biologie
biology
The science that deals with living organisms and the processes of life.
EXAMPLE
In der Schule war Biologie mein Lieblingsfach.
At school, biology was my favorite subject.
die Biologie
biology
die Biologie
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Meanings
die Biologie
biology
The specific life processes and characteristics of a particular organism or group of organisms.
EXAMPLE
Die Biologie dieses Tiefseefisches ist faszinierend und kaum erforscht.
The biology of this deep-sea fish is fascinating and barely researched.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Biologie, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| genitive | der Biologie |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Biologie | – |
| accusative | die Biologie | – |
| dative | der Biologie | – |
| genitive | der Biologie | – |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is composed of the Greek parts 'Bio-' (life) and '-logie' (study, science). This pattern is found in many scientific fields, such as geology or psychology.
EXAMPLE
Die Endung „-logie“ deutet immer auf eine Wissenschaft hin.
The ending '-logie' always indicates a science or field of study.
Typical collocations
When referring to the university or school subject, 'Biologie' (biology) is often combined with verbs such as 'studieren' (to study), 'unterrichten' (to teach), or 'eine Prüfung haben in' (to have an exam in).
EXAMPLE
Meine Tochter möchte später Biologie studieren.
My daughter would like to study biology later.
Context clue
You can recognize this specific meaning from the fact that 'Biologie' (biology) is complemented by a genitive object or by 'von' + dative to show whose life processes are meant.
EXAMPLE
Die Biologie der Tiefseequalle ist noch weitgehend unbekannt.
The biology of the deep-sea jellyfish is still largely unknown.
Compare with
Biologie vs Physiologie
physiology
Biologie is the general science of living organisms and life processes. Physiologie is a more specialized field that examines the physical and biochemical functions in cells, tissues, and organs. Biologie is appropriate for the subject as a whole, while Physiologie is used for such functions.
Biologie
Im Studium untersucht die Biologie Lebewesen und ihre Lebensprozesse allgemein.
In the degree program, biology examines living organisms and their life processes in general.
Physiologie
Im selben Studium untersucht die Physiologie speziell, wie Zellen und Organe funktionieren.
In the same degree program, physiology specifically examines how cells and organs function.
In real life
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