sexual intercourse
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sexual intercourse
The physical act of sexual union between people, serving reproduction or pleasure. It is a formal, medical term for sex.
Im Biologieunterricht werden die körperlichen Vorgänge beim Geschlechtsverkehr erklärt.
In biology class, the physical processes involved in sexual intercourse are explained.
This long word is made up of three parts: 'das Geschlecht' (sex/gender), the linking -s, and 'der Verkehr' (traffic/intercourse). Here, 'Verkehr' can be understood as 'relations' or 'exchange.'
Das Wort „Verkehr“ allein bedeutet meist den Straßenverkehr.
The word 'Verkehr' by itself usually means road traffic.
This word belongs to a very formal register. It is found mainly in medical, legal, or scientific texts. It is not used in everyday conversations.
Der Arzt klärte den Patienten über die Risiken auf.
The doctor informed the patient about the risks.
The most common verb combination is 'Geschlechtsverkehr haben' (to have sexual intercourse). Another important and often-used collocation is 'ungeschützter Geschlechtsverkehr' (unprotected sexual intercourse), especially in the context of health and sex education.
Sie hatten zum ersten Mal Geschlechtsverkehr.
They had sexual intercourse for the first time.
love
'Liebe machen' and 'der Geschlechtsverkehr' can both refer to the sexual act. The difference is mainly in tone. 'Liebe machen' sounds softer, more personal, and often more tender. It is more likely to be used in private or emotional conversations. 'Geschlechtsverkehr' is a factual, formal, or medical expression. It fits, for example, at the doctor’s office, in sex education texts, or in official information. In everyday language, 'Geschlechtsverkehr' often sounds very detached, while 'Liebe machen' emphasizes the closeness between the people more strongly.
Die Ärztin erklärte, wann Geschlechtsverkehr nach der Operation wieder möglich ist.
The doctor explained when sexual intercourse would be possible again after the operation.
Das Paar wollte sich Zeit nehmen und in Ruhe Liebe machen.
The couple wanted to take their time and make love in peace.