organism
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organism
A living being, whether an animal, a plant, a fungus, or a microorganism. It refers to a complex system of organs that work together to maintain life functions.
Der menschliche Organismus ist ein hochkomplexes System.
The human organism is a highly complex system.
The word 'Organismus' (organism) is closely related to 'Organ' (organ). An organism is a system made up of many cooperating organs or parts in order to function.
Jedes Organ im menschlichen Organismus hat eine spezifische Funktion.
Every organ in the human organism has a specific function.
The term 'Organismus' (organism) is mainly used in scientific, medical, or other formal contexts. It sounds more technical and precise.
In der Biologie studieren wir die Entwicklung verschiedener Organismen.
In biology, we study the development of different organisms.
In its biological meaning, 'Organismus' (organism) is often combined with adjectives that describe its condition or complexity, e.g. 'ein gesunder Organismus' (a healthy organism), 'ein komplexer Organismus' (a complex organism), or 'ein einzelliger Organismus' (a single-celled organism).
Ein gesunder Organismus kann viele Krankheiten selbst abwehren.
A healthy organism can fight off many diseases on its own.
When 'Organismus' (organism) is used in a figurative sense, it refers to social or technical systems. Words like 'Firma' (company), 'Staat' (state), or 'Wirtschaft' (economy) in the same sentence are a clear indication of this meaning.
Manche sehen den Staat als einen komplexen Organismus mit eigenen Gesetzen.
Some see the state as a complex organism with its own laws.
system
'das System' and 'der Organismus' can both describe something that consists of several parts and functions only through the interaction of those parts. 'das System' is the more general term. It fits technology, rules, ideas, or organizations. 'der Organismus' first refers to a living being. In a figurative sense, it is used for a structure that seems almost like a living being because everything is strongly interdependent. The words can be confused when talking about complex structures. A safer rule is: for neutral or technical structures, you usually use 'System'; for living or figurative descriptions, 'Organismus' is more likely.
Ein Organismus braucht Wasser, Nahrung und Energie zum Leben.
An organism needs water, food, and energy to live.
Bei der Arbeit erklärt Felix das neue System für die Planung.
At work, Felix explains the new system for planning.