natural history
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natural history
The study and science of living and non-living nature. The term is often used as the name of a school subject that includes biology, geology, and other natural sciences.
Im Naturkundeunterricht haben wir gelernt, die verschiedenen Baumarten zu bestimmen.
In natural history class, we learned to identify the different tree species.
The word is made up of 'Natur' (nature) and 'Kunde' (knowledge/study). Here, the part 'Kunde' means 'study' or 'science', so it is literally the study of nature.
In der Schule war Naturkunde mein Lieblingsfach.
At school, natural history was my favorite subject.
The ending '-kunde' often refers to a field of knowledge or a school subject. When you see this ending, it is usually about a discipline or science, as in 'Erdkunde' (geography) or 'Heilkunde' (medicine).
Die Erdkunde beschäftigt sich mit der Oberfläche unseres Planeten.
Geography deals with the surface of our planet.
'Naturkunde' (natural history) is very often used in compound words. The best-known ones are 'das Naturkundemuseum' (the natural history museum) and 'der Naturkundeunterricht' (natural history class).
Das Naturkundemuseum in Berlin hat ein berühmtes Dinosaurierskelett.
The natural history museum in Berlin has a famous dinosaur skeleton.
biology
'Biologie' and 'Naturkunde' can both appear in lessons or when learning about nature. 'Biologie' more specifically means the science of living organisms and life processes. 'Naturkunde' is broader and can also include non-living nature, for example rocks, weather, or landscapes. The word is often used for a school subject or for simpler nature topics. The words can be confused because natural history often includes biological topics. If it is only about living organisms, 'Biologie' is more precise.
In Naturkunde lernen die Kinder etwas über Tiere, Pflanzen und Gesteine.
In natural history, the children learn about animals, plants, and rocks.
In Biologie untersucht die Klasse heute Blätter unter dem Mikroskop.
In biology, the class is examining leaves under the microscope today.