life cycle
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life cycle
In biology, the sequence of developmental stages that a living organism goes through from its origin to its death and reproduction.
Der Lebenszyklus eines Schmetterlings beginnt mit dem Ei, geht über die Raupe und Puppe bis zum Falter.
The life cycle of a butterfly begins with the egg, continues through the caterpillar and chrysalis stages, and ends with the butterfly.
The word is made up of 'Leben' (life), the linking -s, and 'Zyklus' (cycle). It literally means 'Lebens-Kreislauf' (life cycle) and describes a sequence of phases that repeat or lead to an end.
Jedes Lebewesen durchläuft einen bestimmten Lebenszyklus.
Every living organism goes through a specific life cycle.
'Lebenszyklus' (life cycle) is very often used with a genitive attribute to specify whose cycle is meant. Alternatively, the preposition 'von' + dative is used.
Wir analysieren den Lebenszyklus eines Sterns.
We are analyzing the life cycle of a star.
'Lebenszyklus' (life cycle) is a word used mainly in technical language (biology, business) or in formal, written contexts. It often sounds scientific or technical.
Die Präsentation beschreibt den gesamten Lebenszyklus der Technologie.
The presentation describes the entire life cycle of the technology.
When 'Lebenszyklus' (life cycle) is used in a business context, it usually refers to products. Pay attention to words like 'Produkt' (product), 'Markt' (market), 'Phase' (phase), 'Einführung' (introduction), and 'Reife' (maturity).
Viele Unternehmen planen den Lebenszyklus ihrer Produkte sehr genau.
Many companies plan the life cycle of their products very carefully.
résumé / life story
'der Lebenslauf' and 'der Lebenszyklus' can both describe a development from beginning to end. 'Lebenslauf' is used mainly for people: it means the path through life or the document for job applications. 'Lebenszyklus' is more suitable for living organisms in biology or, more generally, for things that go through different stages of development, for example a project or a technology. The words are easy to confuse because both refer to a sequence in life or in a development. For people, 'Lebenslauf' sounds more natural; for biological or technical stages, 'Lebenszyklus' is more precise.
Im Biologieunterricht erklärt die Lehrerin den Lebenszyklus eines Schmetterlings.
In biology class, the teacher explains the life cycle of a butterfly.
Ihr Lebenslauf zeigt, dass sie schon in drei verschiedenen Ländern gearbeitet hat.
Her résumé shows that she has already worked in three different countries.