to mutate
Loading your saved state.
to mutate
To change genetically; to undergo a mutation. This often applies to viruses or cells whose genetic information changes spontaneously or due to external influences.
Das Virus ist mutiert und nun resistenter gegen die bisherigen Medikamente.
The virus has mutated and is now more resistant to the previous medications.
to turn into
To transform or develop into something else, often in a surprising or negative way.
Seit seiner Beförderung ist er zum Kontrollfreak mutiert.
Since his promotion, he has turned into a control freak.
voice to change
(technical, referring to the voice) To go through voice change, during which a boy's pitch deepens in puberty.
Als der Junge mit 14 Jahren mutierte, konnte er eine Zeit lang nicht mehr im Chor singen.
When the boy's voice changed at age 14, he could no longer sing in the choir for a while.
The verb 'mutieren' (to mutate) comes from the Latin word 'mutare', which means 'ändern' (to change) or 'verwandeln' (to transform). This basic meaning of changing is found in all uses of the word.
Die Hauptfigur im Film mutiert bei Vollmond zu einem Werwolf.
The main character in the film turns into a werewolf at full moon.
You can recognize the meaning from the subject and context: if it involves viruses or cells, the biological mutation is meant. If the subject is a person whose behavior changes, it is the figurative meaning. If it is about a boy's voice, it refers to voice change.
Forscher beobachten, wie das Grippevirus mutiert.
Researchers are observing how the flu virus mutates.
In the figurative meaning 'sich verwandeln' (to transform), 'mutieren' is always used with the preposition 'zu' and the dative. This structure indicates what or who someone or something develops into.
Die kleine Party mutierte schnell zu einer riesigen Feier.
The small party quickly turned into a huge celebration.
The meaning 'den Stimmbruch durchmachen' (to go through voice change) is a technical usage from biology or medicine. In everyday language, this change is usually described differently.
Der Arzt erklärte, dass es normal ist, wenn Jungen in der Pubertät mutieren.
The doctor explained that it is normal for boys' voices to change during puberty.
to arise
When referring to a virus, both words can describe a change over time. „Entstehen“ emphasizes that a new form is created, while „mutieren“ specifically refers to a genetic change. Use „mutieren“ when the genetic information is affected, and „entstehen“ when the focus is only on the new form or variant.
Das Virus mutierte und bildete dabei eine neue Variante.
The virus mutated and formed a new variant in the process.
Durch die Veränderung entstand eine neue Virusvariante.
The change gave rise to a new virus variant.
