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
physikalisch
physical
Describing a process in which the state or form of a substance changes, but not its chemical composition.
EXAMPLE
Das Schmelzen von Eis ist ein rein physikalischer Prozess.
The melting of ice is a purely physical process.
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 is used for a reaction that produces other substances. Physikalisch, by contrast, describes a change in the form or state of a substance while its chemical composition remains the same. Therefore, burning is chemical, whereas melting the same substance is physical.
physikalisch
Das Schmelzen des Wachses ist eine physikalische Veränderung, bei der seine Zusammensetzung gleich bleibt.
Melting the wax is a physical change in which its composition remains the same.
chemisch
Das Verbrennen des Wachses ist eine chemische Reaktion, bei der andere Stoffe entstehen.
Burning the wax is a chemical reaction that produces other substances.
In real life
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