01
motorisch
motor
Relating to physical movement; connected with the ability to move.
example
Die motorische Entwicklung von Kleinkindern verläuft in verschiedenen Phasen.
The motor development of young children takes place in different phases.
motorisch
motor / motorized
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The adjective 'motorisch' (motor/motorized) is derived from the noun 'der Motor' (the motor/engine). It describes anything connected with movement—both technical movement by means of a motor and biological movement of the body, which is seen as a kind of 'motor'.
EXAMPLE
Die motorische Steuerung des Roboters ist sehr präzise.
The motor control of the robot is very precise.
Context clue
You can easily recognize the meaning of 'motorisch' (motor/motorized) from the context. In connection with people and animals, such as development, abilities, or disorders, it refers to body movement. In connection with devices and machines, such as drive systems or control, it refers to movement by a motor.
EXAMPLE
Bei dem Kind wurde eine motorische Störung diagnostiziert.
A motor disorder was diagnosed in the child.
Typical collocations
In medical or educational contexts, 'motorisch' (motor) is often combined with nouns such as 'Fähigkeiten' (skills), 'Entwicklung' (development), 'Unruhe' (restlessness), or 'Defizit' (deficit).
EXAMPLE
Gute motorische Fähigkeiten sind für das Schreibenlernen wichtig.
Good motor skills are important for learning to write.
Use as an adverb
In the technical meaning, 'motorisch' (by motor/motorized) is often used as an adverb to describe how something is driven or moved. Typical verbs are 'antreiben' (to drive/power), 'verstellen' (to adjust), or 'betreiben' (to operate).
EXAMPLE
Der Fahrersitz in diesem Auto ist motorisch verstellbar.
The driver's seat in this car is motorized and adjustable.
Compare with
motorisch vs körperlich
physical
'körperlich' and 'motorisch' can both relate to the body. 'körperlich' is the broad word for anything that has to do with the body. 'motorisch' is narrower and refers to movement or the ability to perform movements. That is why people speak, for example, of 'körperliche Kraft' (physical strength), but of 'motorische Entwicklung' (motor development) in a child. The words can be confusing because movement is, of course, physical. A useful way to think about it is: every motor skill is physical, but not everything physical is motor-related.
motorisch
Zum Training der motorischen Fähigkeiten baut das Kind kleine Türme aus Holzklötzen.
To train motor skills, the child builds small towers out of wooden blocks.
körperlich
Herr Klein arbeitet am Wochenende im Garten und fühlt sich danach körperlich müde.
Mr. Klein works in the garden on the weekend and feels physically tired afterward.
In real life
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