natural law
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natural law
A scientifically described, universally valid regularity in nature that always occurs under the same conditions. Examples include physical or chemical laws.
Die Schwerkraft ist ein fundamentales Naturgesetz, das für alle Objekte gilt.
Gravity is a fundamental natural law that applies to all objects.
The word is composed of 'die Natur' (nature) and 'das Gesetz' (law). The 's' in between is a linking s, which connects the two words and makes pronunciation easier.
Die Thermodynamik beschreibt grundlegende Naturgesetze.
Thermodynamics describes fundamental natural laws.
In a scientific context, 'Naturgesetz' (natural law) is often used with verbs such as 'entdecken' (to discover), 'beschreiben' (to describe), 'formulieren' (to formulate), or 'gelten' (to apply/be valid). Common adjectives are 'physikalisch' (physical), 'biologisch' (biological), or 'fundamental' (fundamental).
Newton formulierte die fundamentalen Naturgesetze der Mechanik.
Newton formulated the fundamental natural laws of mechanics.
In the figurative meaning, the fixed expression 'Es ist ein (ungeschriebenes) Naturgesetz, dass ...' (It is an (unwritten) law of nature that ...) is often used. This describes an everyday rule as inevitable.
Es ist anscheinend ein Naturgesetz, dass die Kassenschlange, in der man steht, immer die langsamste ist.
It is apparently a law of nature that the checkout line you are standing in is always the slowest.
law
'das Gesetz' and 'das Naturgesetz' can both mean a general regular pattern, especially in science and nature. 'Gesetz' is broader: it can also be a state law or a general principle. 'Naturgesetz' more specifically means a law that always operates in the same way in nature, for example in physics or chemistry. In a figurative sense, 'Naturgesetz' can also mean something that seems almost unavoidable. There is a risk of confusion because in science people often simply say 'Gesetz'. If it is clear that nature or physics is meant, 'Naturgesetz' is more precise.
Dass Wasser bei Kälte gefriert, folgt einem Naturgesetz.
The fact that water freezes in the cold follows a natural law.
Im Physikunterricht lernen wir ein Gesetz über Bewegung und Kraft.
In physics class, we learn a law about motion and force.