01
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
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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 Biologie
biology
'Biologie' and 'Ökologie' both have to do with living organisms. 'Biologie' looks at living organisms in general, for example their bodies, their development, or their life processes. 'Ökologie' focuses especially on how living organisms live together with their environment, such as climate, water, plants, animals, and humans. Learners can confuse the words because both appear in the natural sciences. 'Biologie' is the larger field. 'Ökologie' fits when the relationships within a habitat are important.
Ökologie
Bei der Ökologie des Sees geht es auch um Fische, Algen und Wasserqualität.
The ecology of the lake also involves fish, algae, and water quality.
Biologie
In Biologie sprechen wir gerade über die Atmung von Pflanzen.
In biology, we are currently talking about plant respiration.
In real life
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