körperlich
physical
Relates to the human or animal body, as opposed to the mind or soul.
EXAMPLE
Nach der Wanderung spürte er eine angenehme körperliche Erschöpfung.
After the hike, he felt a pleasant physical exhaustion.
körperlich
physical
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is derived from the noun 'der Körper' (the body). The ending '-lich' turns the noun into an adjective and means 'relating to the body' or 'like a body'.
EXAMPLE
Er achtet sehr auf seine körperliche Gesundheit.
He pays close attention to his physical health.
Typical collocations
Common combinations with 'körperlich' (physical) are 'körperliche Arbeit' (physical work), 'körperliche Anstrengung' (physical exertion), 'körperliche Fitness' (physical fitness), or 'körperliche Beschwerden' (physical complaints).
EXAMPLE
Gartenarbeit ist eine schwere körperliche Arbeit.
Gardening is hard physical work.
Typical opposite
'Körperlich' (physical) is very often used as the opposite of 'geistig' (mental) or 'seelisch' (emotional/spiritual) to emphasize the difference between body and mind.
EXAMPLE
Sport ist ein guter Ausgleich für geistige und körperliche Anspannung.
Sports are a good balance for mental and physical tension.
Compare with
körperlich vs physisch
physical
Körperlich and physisch can both refer to the body as opposed to the mental or emotional side. Körperlich is the neutral everyday choice, whereas physisch often sounds more factual or technical and is frequently explicitly contrasted with the psychological side.
körperlich
Die lange Wanderung war für ihn körperlich sehr anstrengend.
The long hike was very physically demanding for him.
physisch
Der medizinische Bericht beschreibt die physische Belastung durch die lange Wanderung.
The medical report describes the physical strain caused by the long hike.
In real life
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