naturalist
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naturalist
A person who scientifically studies nature, especially the animal and plant world as well as geological phenomena. The term is often used for scientists of the 18th and 19th centuries, such as Alexander von Humboldt.
Charles Darwin war ein bedeutender Naturforscher, der die Evolutionstheorie entwickelte.
Charles Darwin was an important naturalist who developed the theory of evolution.
The word is composed of 'Natur' (nature), the linking '-s-', and 'Forscher' (researcher). A 'Forscher' is someone who 'forscht' (researches). A 'Naturforscher' (naturalist) is therefore literally a person who researches nature.
Schon als Kind wollte er Naturforscher werden und die Welt entdecken.
Even as a child, he wanted to become a naturalist and discover the world.
The term 'Naturforscher' (naturalist) is often associated today with the great explorers and scientists of the 18th and 19th centuries. These people often studied many different areas of nature, such as plants, animals, and geology, at the same time.
Alexander von Humboldt gilt als einer der größten Naturforscher aller Zeiten.
Alexander von Humboldt is considered one of the greatest naturalists of all time.
In connection with naturalists, verbs such as 'erforschen' (to research/explore), 'entdecken' (to discover), 'beobachten' (to observe), and 'sammeln' (to collect) are often used.
Der Naturforscher reiste um die Welt, um seltene Pflanzen zu sammeln.
The naturalist traveled around the world to collect rare plants.
scientist
'der Wissenschaftler' and 'der Naturforscher' can both mean a person who works scientifically. 'Der Wissenschaftler' is the general term and can fit many subjects, for example medicine, physics, or history. 'Der Naturforscher' is more specific: he studies nature, for example animals, plants, or rock. The word often sounds somewhat historical and is frequently used for researchers from earlier centuries. The words can be confused because naturalists are also scientists. But not every scientist is a naturalist.
Der Naturforscher sammelte auf seiner Reise Pflanzen und beschrieb neue Tierarten.
The naturalist collected plants on his journey and described new animal species.
Maria möchte später als Wissenschaftlerin an einer Universität arbeiten.
Maria would like to work as a scientist at a university later on.