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
erblich
hereditary
Legally passing to another person through succession, especially in the case of titles or offices.
EXAMPLE
In einer Erbmonarchie ist die Position des Staatsoberhaupts erblich.
In a hereditary monarchy, the position of head of state is hereditary.
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“ generally refers to a connection with genes or hereditary traits and can also mean the cause of a disease. „Erblich“ is narrower: it additionally means that a characteristic is passed from parents to their children. Use „genetisch“ for the finding and „erblich“ when transmission is meant.
erblich
Die Krankheit ist erblich und kann von Eltern an ihre Kinder weitergegeben werden.
The disease is hereditary and can be passed from parents to their children.
genetisch
Die Krankheit hat eine genetische Ursache, tritt aber nicht bei jedem Familienmitglied auf.
The disease has a genetic cause, but it does not occur in every member of the family.
In real life
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