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künstlich
artificial
Not occurring in nature, but made or produced by humans.
example
Die Blumen in der Vase sind künstlich, sie sind aus Seide gemacht.
The flowers in the vase are artificial; they are made of silk.
künstlich
artificial
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'künstlich' (artificial) is derived from the noun 'die Kunst' (art). It describes something created through human skill or technology, as opposed to something natural.
EXAMPLE
Die Höhle wurde von künstlichem Licht erhellt.
The cave was illuminated by artificial light.
Context clues
The meaning of 'künstlich' (artificial) depends strongly on the noun. With objects it means 'hergestellt' (manufactured), as in 'künstliche Blumen' (artificial flowers); with behavior it means 'unecht' (fake), as in 'künstliches Lächeln' (artificial smile); and in medicine it means 'technisch erzeugt' (technically produced), as in 'künstliches Gelenk' (artificial joint).
EXAMPLE
Ich mag keine künstlichen Süßstoffe im Joghurt.
I don't like artificial sweeteners in yogurt.
Typical collocations
'Künstlich' (artificial) is often used for human-made things and substances. Common combinations are 'künstliches Licht' (artificial light), 'künstliche Intelligenz' (artificial intelligence), or 'künstliche Aromen' (artificial flavors).
EXAMPLE
Künstliche Intelligenz verändert viele Bereiche unseres Lebens.
Artificial intelligence is changing many areas of our lives.
Use for behavior
When 'künstlich' (artificial) describes behavior or emotions, it has a negative meaning and means 'unecht' (fake) or 'aufgesetzt' (forced). Typical phrases are 'ein künstliches Lächeln' (an artificial smile) or 'künstliche Aufregung' (artificial excitement).
EXAMPLE
Er reagierte mit künstlicher Empörung auf die Kritik.
He reacted to the criticism with artificial indignation.
Compare with
künstlich vs natürlich
natural / of course
'natürlich' and 'künstlich' are often opposites. 'natürlich' describes something that comes from nature or does not seem made or affected. 'künstlich' describes something that was produced by humans or does not seem genuine and spontaneous. With materials, colors, or foods, the contrast is often nature versus production. With behavior or a smile, it is more about genuine and unaffected versus forced. The context shows which meaning is intended.
künstlich
Im Krankenhaus bekommt der Patient künstliche Luft, weil er nicht allein atmen kann.
In the hospital, the patient is given artificial ventilation because he cannot breathe on his own.
natürlich
Die natürliche Farbe des Holzes gefällt mir besser als Lack.
I like the natural color of the wood better than varnish.
In real life
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