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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
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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 both refer to products that do not seem strongly artificial or that come from nature. The difference is important: 'natürlich' is general and only says that something comes from nature or does not seem artificially changed. 'biologisch' is more specific and, with food or agriculture, means that something was produced according to organic standards. Learners may confuse the words because both sound healthy or connected to nature. But not every natural product is automatically organic.
biologisch
Mila hat auf dem Markt biologische Äpfel gekauft.
Mila bought organic apples at the market.
natürlich
Julia kauft einen natürlichen Saft ohne künstliche Aromen.
Julia buys a natural juice without artificial flavorings.
In real life
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