habitat
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habitat
The natural living environment of a specific animal or plant species, with the specific environmental conditions it needs to live.
Die Zerstörung des Regenwaldes bedroht das Habitat unzähliger Arten.
The destruction of the rainforest threatens the habitat of countless species.
habitat
In a figurative sense, the social or cultural environment in which a person or group typically spends time and feels comfortable.
Das alte Café in der Innenstadt war das natürliche Habitat der lokalen Künstlerszene.
The old café downtown was the natural habitat of the local art scene.
The meaning depends on the topic. If it is about animals, plants, or the environment, it refers to the biological living environment. If people are talking about humans, social groups, or culture, it refers to the figurative social environment.
Das Habitat des Eisbären ist durch den Klimawandel bedroht.
The polar bear's habitat is threatened by climate change.
'Habitat' (habitat) was originally a technical term from biology. However, it is now also used in everyday language, especially when it comes to environmental protection and endangered species.
Wir müssen das natürliche Habitat dieser Vögel schützen.
We must protect the natural habitat of these birds.
In a biological context, typical combinations are 'natürliches Habitat' (natural habitat), 'ein Habitat zerstören' (to destroy a habitat), 'ein Habitat schützen' (to protect a habitat), or 'das Habitat einer Art' (the habitat of a species).
Durch die Abholzung verlieren viele Tiere ihr Habitat.
Because of deforestation, many animals are losing their habitat.
This meaning is a metaphor. The idea of the 'natürlicher Lebensraum' (natural habitat) is transferred from the animal world to the social or cultural environment of people in which they feel comfortable.
Diese kleine Buchhandlung ist das Habitat für alle Lesebegeisterten der Stadt.
This small bookstore is the habitat for all the book lovers in the city.
habitat / living space
Lebensraum and Habitat can both refer to the natural area where a species lives. Lebensraum is the more general German expression; Habitat is more technical and is often used with reference to precisely defined environmental conditions. In everyday situations, Lebensraum is usually more suitable; in biological studies, Habitat is often used.
Die biologische Studie untersucht den Wald als Habitat des Luchses.
The biological study examines the forest as the lynx's habitat.
Die Broschüre erklärt, dass der Wald der natürliche Lebensraum des Luchses ist.
The brochure explains that the forest is the lynx's natural habitat.
