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physikalisch
physical
Relating to physics as a science or based on its laws.
example
Ein Regenbogen ist ein interessantes physikalisches Phänomen.
A rainbow is an interesting physical phenomenon.
physikalisch
physical
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Meanings
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Usage tips
False friend
'Physikalisch' (physical, relating to physics) refers only to the science of physics. It does not mean 'körperlich' (bodily/physical), as the English word 'physical' often does. So you cannot speak of 'physikalische Kraft' for physical strength or 'physikalische Arbeit' for physical labor.
EXAMPLE
Das Experiment demonstriert ein physikalisches Grundgesetz.
The experiment demonstrates a basic law of physics.
Word family
'Physikalisch' (physical, relating to physics) is the adjective related to the noun 'die Physik' (physics). The ending '-alisch' is often used to form adjectives from scientific terms.
EXAMPLE
Sie interessiert sich sehr für die Gesetze der Physik.
She is very interested in the laws of physics.
Typical collocations
The adjective is frequently combined with scientific nouns. Typical examples are: 'physikalische Gesetze' (physical laws), 'ein physikalisches Phänomen' (a physical phenomenon), 'eine physikalische Eigenschaft' (a physical property), or 'eine physikalische Einheit' (a physical unit, e.g. meter, second).
EXAMPLE
Die Nordlichter sind ein beeindruckendes physikalisches Phänomen.
The northern lights are an impressive physical phenomenon.
Context clue: processes
In chemistry and physics, 'physikalisch' (physical) describes a process that changes the state of a substance but not its chemical structure. Examples are the melting of ice or the boiling of water.
EXAMPLE
Die Verdunstung von Wasser ist ein physikalischer Vorgang.
The evaporation of water is a physical process.
Compare with
physikalisch vs chemisch
chemical
'chemisch' and 'physikalisch' both belong to the natural sciences and describe processes involving substances. The important contrast is: in a chemical process, a different substance is created or the composition changes. In a physical process, only the form, state, or movement changes, but the substance remains the same. Learners confuse the words because both often appear together in school, laboratories, and technology. As a simple guide: burning is chemical, melting is physical.
physikalisch
Zum Erklären von Eis und Wasser besprechen wir eine physikalische Veränderung.
To explain ice and water, we discuss a physical change.
chemisch
Beim Rosten verändert sich Eisen chemisch.
When iron rusts, it changes chemically.
In real life
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