organic
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organic
Coming from living nature or relating to it. In the context of food, it means that it was grown without the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.
Wir versuchen, unseren organischen Abfall aus der Küche zu kompostieren.
We try to compost our organic kitchen waste.
'Organisch' (organic) is derived from the word 'Organ' (organ), a part of a living being ('Organismus' = organism). This connection to living nature helps you understand the different meanings.
Ein gesunder Wald ist ein komplexer Organismus mit vielen organischen Prozessen.
A healthy forest is a complex organism with many organic processes.
When 'organisch' (organic) is used in connection with food, agriculture, or waste, it means 'biologisch angebaut' (organically grown) or 'aus der Natur stammend' (coming from nature).
Im Supermarkt gibt es eine große Auswahl an organischem Obst und Gemüse.
At the supermarket there is a large selection of organic fruit and vegetables.
In medicine, 'organisch' (organic) describes a physical cause. The phrase 'keine organische Ursache' (no organic cause) means that doctors cannot find a physical problem and the cause may be psychological.
Für seine Beschwerden wurde keine organische Ursache gefunden.
No organic cause was found for his symptoms.
In connection with growth or development, 'organisch' (organic) means that something has grown naturally and not artificially or according to a plan. It is often used for cities, structures, or companies.
Die Freundschaft zwischen den beiden ist über viele Jahre organisch gewachsen.
The friendship between the two of them grew organically over many years.
The meaning that refers to carbon compounds is a technical term from chemistry. Outside a scientific context, this meaning is rare.
Im Studium musste sie einen Kurs in organischer Chemie belegen.
At university she had to take a course in organic chemistry.
natural / of course
'natürlich' and 'organisch' can both mean that something is not artificial or develops without strong intervention. However, 'natürlich' is more general and fits things from nature, normal behavior, or an unaffected manner. 'organisch' is used more often for foods when they were grown without synthetic substances, or when something grows slowly and in a fitting way. Learners may confuse the words because both often stand in contrast to 'künstlich' (artificial). As a simple guide: for normal, genuine, or natural behavior and material, 'natürlich' usually fits; for organic farming or harmonious development, 'organisch' is often better.
Das neue Projekt wächst organisch, weil immer mehr Kollegen freiwillig mitmachen.
The new project is growing organically because more and more colleagues are joining in voluntarily.
Für den Salat kauft sie natürliche Zutaten ohne künstliche Zusätze.
For the salad, she buys natural ingredients without artificial additives.