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
motorisch
motorized
Relating to a motor or driven by a motor.
EXAMPLE
Das Garagentor wird motorisch geöffnet und geschlossen.
The garage door is opened and closed by motorized means.
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 elektrisch
electric
Elektrisch and motorisch can both describe technical movement when a motor is involved. Elektrisch emphasizes the power supply from electricity, whereas motorisch emphasizes being driven by a motor. For an adjustment movement, either word can therefore fit, depending on whether the focus is on the electricity or the motorized movement.
motorisch
Die motorisch angetriebene Tür öffnet sich nach einem Knopfdruck.
The motorized door opens when a button is pressed.
elektrisch
Die elektrisch betriebene Tür öffnet sich nach einem Knopfdruck.
The electrically powered door opens when a button is pressed.
In real life
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