01
erblich
hereditary
Passed on from parents to offspring through genes; genetically determined.
example
Die Neigung zu bestimmten Allergien kann erblich sein.
The tendency toward certain allergies can be hereditary.
erblich
hereditary
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'erblich' (hereditary) belongs to the word family of 'erben' (to inherit) and 'das Erbe' (the inheritance). This connection helps you understand both meanings — the genetic one and the legal one.
EXAMPLE
Er hat das Haus seiner Großeltern geerbt.
He inherited his grandparents' house.
Context clue
The context makes the meaning clear. In connection with diseases, traits, or biology, the genetic meaning is intended. If it is about titles, offices, or monarchies, the legal meaning is intended.
EXAMPLE
Manche Charaktereigenschaften sind erblich bedingt.
Some personality traits are hereditary.
Typical collocation
In a biological context, 'erblich' (hereditary) is very often used in the fixed combination 'erblich bedingt' (hereditary / genetically determined). This means that something is caused by genes.
EXAMPLE
Haarausfall ist bei Männern oft erblich bedingt.
Hair loss in men is often hereditary.
Typical collocations
In the legal meaning, 'erblich' (hereditary) is often combined with nouns such as 'Monarchie' (monarchy), 'Titel' (title), or 'Thronfolge' (succession to the throne).
EXAMPLE
In einer erblichen Monarchie folgt der älteste Sohn dem König auf den Thron.
In a hereditary monarchy, the eldest son succeeds the king to the throne.
Compare with
erblich vs genetisch
genetic
'genetisch' and 'erblich' both have to do with genes and heredity. 'genetisch' is more general and fits when talking about genes, hereditary traits, or the science related to them. 'erblich' is used more specifically when a trait or disease can be passed from parents to children. Learners may confuse the words because a hereditary disease is also genetically determined. But not everything that is studied genetically is automatically called 'erblich'.
erblich
Ist diese Augenkrankheit erblich, oder entsteht sie erst im Alter?
Is this eye disease hereditary, or does it only develop in old age?
genetisch
Die Ärztin erklärt, dass die Krankheit genetisch untersucht werden muss.
The doctor explains that the disease needs to be studied genetically.
In real life
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