conception
Loading your saved state.
conception
The biological process in which a female egg cell is fertilized by a male sperm cell, marking the beginning of a pregnancy.
Der Arzt berechnete den Geburtstermin anhand des Datums der Empfängnis.
The doctor calculated the due date based on the date of conception.
'Empfängnis' (conception) is the noun related to the verb 'empfangen' (to receive). It describes the act of 'receiving' a new life.
Sie hat die Nachricht mit Freude empfangen.
She received the news with joy.
The context reveals the meaning: in medical or biological contexts, it is about the beginning of a pregnancy. In a religious context, often with 'Maria' (Mary) or 'unbefleckt' (immaculate), it refers to the Christian doctrine.
Der Arzt sprach über Methoden zur Verhütung der Empfängnis.
The doctor talked about methods for preventing conception.
For the biological process, 'Empfängnis' (conception) is a rather formal, medical, or legal term. It is often used when the exact beginning of a pregnancy is important.
Das Gesetz regelt den Schutz des Lebens ab der Empfängnis.
The law regulates the protection of life from conception onward.
The religious meaning is almost always part of the fixed terms 'Unbefleckte Empfängnis' (Immaculate Conception) or 'Mariä Empfängnis' (Mary's Conception/Immaculate Conception). Standing alone, 'Empfängnis' (conception) almost never refers to this meaning.
Viele Kirchen sind der „Unbefleckten Empfängnis“ geweiht.
Many churches are dedicated to the 'Unbefleckte Empfängnis' (Immaculate Conception).
pregnancy
'Schwangerschaft' and 'Empfängnis' belong to the same biological topic, but they do not refer to the same time. 'Empfängnis' means the brief process at the beginning, when an egg cell is fertilized. 'Schwangerschaft' means the whole period after that until birth. The words can be confused because conception is the beginning of pregnancy. In practical terms: 'Empfängnis' is a moment; 'Schwangerschaft' is a longer condition.
Die Ärztin erklärt dem Paar, dass die Empfängnis oft nicht genau datiert werden kann.
The doctor explains to the couple that conception often cannot be dated exactly.
Während der Schwangerschaft geht Lena regelmäßig zur Ärztin.
During her pregnancy, Lena goes to the doctor regularly.