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.
conception
In the Christian faith, especially in Catholicism, the doctrine that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was free from original sin from the first moment of her life. The term is usually used in connection with the feast day 'Mariä Empfängnis' (the Immaculate Conception).
Die katholische Kirche feiert am 8. Dezember das Hochfest der Unbefleckten Empfängnis.
The Catholic Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception on December 8.
'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).
design / conception
Konzeption and Empfängnis can both refer to the biological beginning of a pregnancy. In this sense, Konzeption is technical and uncommon, while Empfängnis is the usual term in everyday language. In a normal conversation, Empfängnis is therefore usually more appropriate.
Der Arzt erklärte, dass die Empfängnis den Beginn der Schwangerschaft markiert.
The doctor explained that conception marks the beginning of the pregnancy.
Der Arzt erklärte, dass die Konzeption den Beginn der Schwangerschaft markiert.
The doctor explained that conception marks the beginning of the pregnancy.
