ecological
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ecological
Relating to the environment and the relationships between living beings and their surroundings; often used in the sense of environmentally friendly or sustainable.
Wir versuchen, durch Mülltrennung und Energiesparen einen ökologischen Lebensstil zu führen.
We try to lead an ecological lifestyle by separating waste and saving energy.
The word is made up of 'Öko-' and the ending '-logisch'. 'Öko-' comes from the Greek word for house or household and here refers to the environment, while '-logisch' points to a field of study or science.
Viele Unternehmen werben heute mit ökologischen Produkten.
Many companies today advertise ecological products.
The meaning depends strongly on the context. In everyday language and advertising, 'ökologisch' (ecological) usually means 'environmentally friendly'. In scientific texts, it refers to the biological discipline of ecology.
Dieser Bauer stellt auf ökologische Landwirtschaft um.
This farmer is switching to ecological agriculture.
In the meaning of 'environmentally friendly', the word is often connected with lifestyle and consumption. Typical combinations are 'ökologischer Landbau' (organic/ecological farming), 'ökologischer Fußabdruck' (ecological footprint), or 'ökologisch bauen' (to build ecologically).
Wir versuchen, unseren ökologischen Fußabdruck zu verkleinern.
We are trying to reduce our ecological footprint.
In a scientific context, 'ökologisch' (ecological) describes relationships in nature. Common terms are 'ökologisches Gleichgewicht' (ecological balance), 'ökologische Nische' (ecological niche), or 'ökologisches System' (ecological system).
Jede Tierart hat ihre eigene ökologische Nische.
Each animal species has its own ecological niche.
green
'grün' and 'ökologisch' can both mean something related to the environment and nature. In everyday language, 'grün' is a broad word for environmentally friendly ideas, products, or politics. 'ökologisch' sounds more precise and can also be more technical: it refers to the environment, nature, and the relationships between living beings and their surroundings. The words can be confusing because 'grün' is often used as a short, simple form of 'environmentally friendly'. In conversation, 'grün' is often more natural; in texts about nature or science, 'ökologisch' fits better.
Für den Kurs hat er einen Text über ökologische Landwirtschaft gelesen.
For the course, he read a text about ecological agriculture.
Maria sucht nach einer grünen Lösung für den Weg zur Arbeit und fährt jetzt öfter mit dem Rad.
Maria is looking for a green solution for getting to work and now rides her bike more often.