die Ökologie
ecology
The science that deals with the relationships between living organisms and their environment.
EXAMPLE
Im Biologieunterricht lernen wir die Grundlagen der Ökologie.
In biology class, we are learning the basics of ecology.
die Ökologie
ecology
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Meanings
die Ökologie
ecology
The balance and the totality of relationships in a particular habitat.
EXAMPLE
Der Bau der Fabrik hat die Ökologie des Flusses nachhaltig gestört.
The construction of the factory has permanently disrupted the ecology of the river.
Usage tips
Word structure
The ending '-logie' in German often refers to a science or field of study, as in 'Biologie' (biology) or 'Psychologie' (psychology). 'Ökologie' (ecology) is literally the study of the 'household' (Greek 'oikos') of nature.
EXAMPLE
Die Soziologie untersucht das menschliche Zusammenleben.
Sociology studies human social life.
Word family
The related adjective is 'ökologisch' (ecological). It describes everything connected with the environment, sustainability, or the science of ecology.
EXAMPLE
Viele Verbraucher achten auf einen ökologischen Lebensstil.
Many consumers pay attention to an ecological lifestyle.
Typical collocations
When 'Ökologie' (ecology) means the science, it is often used in academic contexts. Typical collocations are 'Ökologie studieren' (to study ecology), 'Institut für Ökologie' (institute of ecology), or 'Professor für Ökologie' (professor of ecology).
EXAMPLE
Sie hat ihren Master in Ökologie an der Universität Freiburg gemacht.
She completed her master's degree in ecology at the University of Freiburg.
Context and verbs
When it is about the balance in a habitat, the specific place is often mentioned, e.g. 'des Sees' (of the lake), 'des Waldes' (of the forest). Common verbs in this context are 'stören' (to disturb/disrupt), 'zerstören' (to destroy), 'schützen' (to protect), or 'wiederherstellen' (to restore).
EXAMPLE
Die Trockenheit stört die empfindliche Ökologie des Sumpfgebietes.
The drought is disrupting the delicate ecology of the marshland.
Compare with
Ökologie vs Ökosystem
ecosystem
Both words can refer to the interactions within a particular habitat. „Ökologie“ refers to the relationships and their balance, while „Ökosystem“ means the specific community of living things together with its environment. When you are talking about interrelationships, „Ökologie“ is appropriate; when you mean the entire unit, „Ökosystem“ is the right word.
Ökologie
Die Ökologie des Sees verändert sich durch das fehlende Gleichgewicht im Wasser.
The lake's ecology is changing because of the lack of balance in the water.
Ökosystem
Das Ökosystem des Sees umfasst die Tiere, Pflanzen und ihre unbelebte Umwelt.
The lake's ecosystem includes its animals, plants, and non-living environment.
In real life
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