biologisch
biological
Relating to biology, the study of living beings and life processes.
EXAMPLE
Alterung ist ein komplexer biologischer Prozess.
Aging is a complex biological process.
biologisch
biological / organic
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Meanings
biologisch
organic
Produced according to the guidelines of organic farming; without the use of chemically synthesized pesticides or fertilizers.
EXAMPLE
Wir kaufen unser Gemüse direkt vom Bauernhof, weil es biologisch angebaut wird.
We buy our vegetables directly from the farm because they are grown organically.
biologisch
biological
Relating to biological descent; in contrast to a social or legal relationship (e.g., through adoption).
EXAMPLE
Sie hat erst als Erwachsene erfahren, wer ihre biologische Mutter ist.
She only found out as an adult who her biological mother is.
Usage tips
Word formation
The adjective 'biologisch' (biological / organic) is derived from the noun 'die Biologie' (biology). The ending '-isch' is often used to form adjectives from scientific or technical terms.
EXAMPLE
Die psychologische Wirkung von Farben ist gut erforscht.
The psychological effect of colors is well researched.
Context clue: science
You can recognize this meaning from the scientific or medical context. Typical nouns here are 'Prozess' (process), 'Merkmal' (feature/trait), 'System' (system), or 'Waffen' (weapons).
EXAMPLE
Das Immunsystem ist ein hochkomplexes biologisches System.
The immune system is a highly complex biological system.
Context clue: food
This meaning is used in connection with food, agriculture, and shopping. Pay attention to nouns like 'Anbau' (cultivation), 'Landwirtschaft' (agriculture), 'Produkt' (product), or 'Lebensmittel' (food).
EXAMPLE
Immer mehr Supermärkte bieten biologische Produkte an.
More and more supermarkets offer organic products.
Use as the prefix 'Bio-'
In everyday language, the short form 'Bio-' is very often used as a prefix instead of the full adjective. For example, people speak of 'Bio-Eiern' (organic eggs), a 'Bio-Bauernhof' (organic farm), or a 'Bio-Laden' (organic shop).
EXAMPLE
Ich kaufe mein Gemüse am liebsten auf dem Bio-Markt.
I prefer to buy my vegetables at the organic market.
Context clue: family
This meaning refers to blood relations and is used in the context of family and descent. It often comes before nouns like 'Eltern' (parents), 'Mutter' (mother), 'Vater' (father), or 'Geschwister' (siblings).
EXAMPLE
Er kennt seinen biologischen Vater nicht.
He does not know his biological father.
Compare with
biologisch vs natürlich
natural / of course
Natürlich and biologisch can indicate that food was produced without artificial manufacturing or certain artificial substances. Biologisch refers more specifically to production according to organic farming guidelines, whereas natürlich does not specify such a classification. For these guidelines, biologisch is the appropriate word.
biologisch
Der Hersteller beschreibt den Saft als biologisch, weil die Früchte nach Richtlinien des ökologischen Landbaus erzeugt wurden.
The producer describes the juice as organic because the fruit was produced according to organic farming guidelines.
natürlich
Der Hersteller beschreibt den Saft als natürlich, weil die Früchte nicht künstlich hergestellt sind.
The producer describes the juice as natural because the fruit was not artificially made.
In real life
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