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genetisch
genetic
Relates to genes, hereditary traits, or the science of heredity.
example
Die Augenfarbe ist genetisch bedingt.
Eye color is genetically determined.
genetisch
genetic
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'genetisch' (genetic) belongs to the word family of 'das Gen' (the smallest unit of hereditary information) and 'die Genetik' (the science of heredity).
EXAMPLE
In der Genetik erforscht man die Weitergabe von Merkmalen.
In genetics, researchers study the transmission of traits.
Typical combinations
Common and important combinations are 'genetisch bedingt' (caused by genes), 'genetische Veranlagung' (genetic predisposition), and 'genetisch verändert' (genetically modified, e.g., in food).
EXAMPLE
Manche Krankheiten sind genetisch bedingt.
Some diseases are genetically determined.
Use as an adverb
'Genetisch' (genetically) can also be used as an adverb to modify a verb or another adjective. It then answers the question 'Wie?' (How?).
EXAMPLE
Diese beiden Pflanzen sind genetisch sehr ähnlich.
These two plants are genetically very similar.
Compare with
genetisch vs biologisch
biological / organic
'biologisch' and 'genetisch' both belong to the area of life, the body, and heredity. But 'biologisch' is more general: it can refer to living beings, to biology as a subject, or to biological descent. 'genetisch' is more specific and refers to genes or hereditary traits. For example, you can speak of a 'biologischer Vater' (biological father) when talking about biological descent. 'genetisch' fits when you want to explain that something is determined by genes or inherited. The words are confused because genes are part of biological processes. But not everything biological is automatically genetic.
genetisch
Die Krankheit kann genetisch bedingt sein, deshalb fragt die Ärztin nach der Familie.
The disease can be genetically determined, so the doctor asks about the family.
biologisch
Nach der Adoption wollte Lisa ihren biologischen Vater kennenlernen.
After the adoption, Lisa wanted to get to know her biological father.
In real life
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