life form / way of life
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life form
In biology, a particular type of organism or a characteristic form of living beings that is adapted to specific environmental conditions.
Wissenschaftler suchen auf anderen Planeten nach einfachen Lebensformen.
Scientists are searching for simple life forms on other planets.
way of life
In sociology and philosophy, the way in which a person or group of people shapes their life, including their social relationships, values, and habits.
Wohngemeinschaften waren in den 70er Jahren eine populäre alternative Lebensform.
Shared apartments were a popular alternative way of life in the 1970s.
The word is made up of 'Leben' (life) and 'Form' (form), connected by an 's'. So it literally means a 'Form des Lebens' (form of life).
Jede neu entdeckte Lebensform ist für die Biologie von großem Interesse.
Every newly discovered life form is of great interest to biology.
You can recognize the meaning from context. If it is about biology, planets, or organisms, the biological type is meant. If it is about society, culture, or personal choices, the way of living is meant.
Im Ozean gibt es noch viele unentdeckte Lebensformen.
There are still many undiscovered life forms in the ocean.
In a biological context, 'Lebensform' (life form) is often combined with adjectives such as 'einfach' (simple), 'komplex' (complex), 'intelligent' (intelligent), or 'außerirdisch' (extraterrestrial).
Viele glauben, dass es auf anderen Planeten intelligente Lebensformen gibt.
Many believe that there are intelligent life forms on other planets.
In a sociological context, typical combinations are 'alternative', 'moderne' (modern), 'traditionelle' (traditional), or 'bürgerliche' (middle-class/bourgeois) 'Lebensform' (way of life).
Er hat sich bewusst für eine alternative Lebensform auf dem Land entschieden.
He consciously chose an alternative way of life in the countryside.
living organism
Both words can refer to unusual life forms. Lebewesen refers to a single living individual, whereas Lebensform usually means a type or characteristic form of life. Use Lebensform for the general type and Lebewesen for a specific individual animal, plant, or organism.
Die Forscher entdeckten auf dem Planeten eine bisher unbekannte Lebensform.
The researchers discovered a previously unknown life form on the planet.
Die Forscher untersuchten auf dem Planeten ein bisher unbekanntes Lebewesen.
The researchers examined a previously unknown living organism on the planet.
