chemical
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chemical
Relates to chemistry as a science or to the properties and reactions of substances.
Eine chemische Reaktion wandelt Ausgangsstoffe in neue Produkte um.
A chemical reaction transforms starting substances into new products.
'Chemisch' (chemical) is the adjective for the noun 'die Chemie' (chemistry). The person who works in this field is 'der Chemiker' (male chemist) or 'die Chemikerin' (female chemist). These words belong together.
Die Chemie war in der Schule mein Lieblingsfach.
Chemistry was my favorite subject at school.
In a scientific context, 'chemisch' (chemical) is often used with fixed partner words. Common combinations are: 'chemische Reaktion' (chemical reaction), 'chemisches Element' (chemical element), and 'chemische Formel' (chemical formula).
Wasserstoff ist ein chemisches Element.
Hydrogen is a chemical element.
When 'chemisch' (chemical) is used in the sense of 'artificial', it often has a negative meaning. Especially with food ('chemische Zusatzstoffe' — chemical additives) or in agriculture ('chemischer Dünger' — chemical fertilizer), it is understood as the opposite of 'natural'.
Ich versuche, Produkte ohne chemische Aromen zu kaufen.
I try to buy products without chemical flavorings.
'Chemische Reinigung' is the fixed term for 'dry cleaning'. People typically say that they 'in die chemische Reinigung bringen' (take an item of clothing to the dry cleaner) or 'reinigen lassen' (have it cleaned).
Dieser Mantel darf nicht gewaschen werden, er muss in die chemische Reinigung.
This coat must not be washed; it has to go to the dry cleaner.
natural / of course
'natürlich' and 'chemisch' are opposites when talking about origin or production. 'natürlich' means that something comes from nature or has not been artificially changed. In this contrast, 'chemisch' means that something was produced or treated through chemical processes. The word 'chemisch' is not always negative, but it shows that artificial production or treatment plays a role here.
Vor der Reise nimmt mein Vater ein chemisches Mittel gegen Mücken mit.
Before the trip, my father takes a chemical mosquito repellent with him.
Sie kauft im Supermarkt natürliche Seife für ihre Familie.
She buys natural soap for her family at the supermarket.