chemisch
chemical
Relates to chemistry as a science or to the properties and reactions of substances.
EXAMPLE
Eine chemische Reaktion wandelt Ausgangsstoffe in neue Produkte um.
A chemical reaction transforms starting substances into new products.
chemisch
chemical
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Meanings
chemisch
chemical
Describes something that has been produced artificially through chemical processes, as opposed to something natural. This can have a neutral or negative meaning.
EXAMPLE
Viele Leute bevorzugen Lebensmittel ohne chemische Zusatzstoffe.
Many people prefer foods without chemical additives.
chemische Reinigung
dry cleaning
A special process for cleaning textiles in which organic solvents are used instead of water.
EXAMPLE
Ich muss meinen Anzug in die chemische Reinigung bringen.
I have to take my suit to the dry cleaner.
Usage tips
Word family
'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.
EXAMPLE
Die Chemie war in der Schule mein Lieblingsfach.
Chemistry was my favorite subject at school.
Typical collocations
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).
EXAMPLE
Wasserstoff ist ein chemisches Element.
Hydrogen is a chemical element.
Context clue: often negative
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'.
EXAMPLE
Ich versuche, Produkte ohne chemische Aromen zu kaufen.
I try to buy products without chemical flavorings.
Fixed expression
'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).
EXAMPLE
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.
Compare with
chemisch vs künstlich
artificial
Künstlich and chemisch can both distinguish a product from natural material. “Künstlich” generally emphasizes that it was made by humans; “chemisch” highlights production through chemical processes. If only the human origin matters, “künstlich” fits; if the production method is the focus, “chemisch” is more precise.
chemisch
Der chemische Duftstoff wurde im Labor hergestellt und ersetzt den natürlichen Duft.
The chemical fragrance compound was produced in a laboratory and replaces the natural scent.
künstlich
Die künstliche Blume wurde aus Kunststoff hergestellt und braucht kein Wasser.
The artificial flower was made of plastic and does not need water.
In real life
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