living organism
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living organism
An organism that is alive; an individual entity from the animal or plant world, as well as microorganisms.
Jedes Lebewesen, vom kleinsten Bakterium bis zum Blauwal, hat seine Rolle im Ökosystem.
Every living organism, from the smallest bacterium to the blue whale, has its role in the ecosystem.
The word 'Lebewesen' (living organism) is a compound made from the verb 'leben' (to live) and the noun 'das Wesen' (being/creature). So it literally describes a being that lives.
In diesem Teich gibt es viele kleine Lebewesen.
There are many small living organisms in this pond.
The word 'Lebewesen' (living organism) has the same form in the singular and plural. Whether one or several are meant can be recognized from the article or the context.
Das Lebewesen wurde unter dem Mikroskop untersucht.
The living organism was examined under the microscope.
'Lebewesen' (living organism) is often used in biological, scientific, or philosophical contexts to talk about organisms in general.
Die Wissenschaftler suchen nach Spuren von einfachen Lebewesen auf dem Mars.
The scientists are looking for traces of simple living organisms on Mars.
animal
'das Tier' and 'das Lebewesen' both refer to something that is alive. However, 'das Tier' only means living beings that are not humans and not plants. 'das Lebewesen' is much more general: it can include animals, plants, and also very small organisms. Learners may confuse the words because every animal is a living organism. But not every living organism is an animal. In everyday language, you usually say 'Tier' for a dog, cat, or bird. In biology or more general texts, 'Lebewesen' fits better.
Jedes Lebewesen braucht Wasser, um zu überleben.
Every living organism needs water to survive.
Wir haben im Garten ein verletztes Tier gefunden und den Tierarzt angerufen.
We found an injured animal in the garden and called the vet.