physical
Loading your saved state.
physical
Relating to the human or animal body; bodily. Often used as the opposite of 'psychisch' (psychological/mental).
Die Arbeit auf der Baustelle ist physisch sehr anstrengend.
Work on the construction site is physically very demanding.
physical
Actually existing and tangible in the real, material world. Used as the opposite of 'virtual' or 'digital'.
Ich kaufe lieber physische Bücher als E-Books.
I prefer buying physical books rather than e-books.
The word 'physisch' (physical) belongs to a rather formal and educated register. It is often used in scientific, medical, or technical texts.
Die physischen Eigenschaften des Materials wurden im Labor getestet.
The physical properties of the material were tested in the laboratory.
In the meaning 'körperlich' (physical/bodily), 'physisch' (physical) is often combined with nouns that describe the body or its condition. Typical examples are 'physische Gewalt' (physical violence), 'physische Gesundheit' (physical health), or 'physische Belastung' (physical strain).
Lange Bildschirmarbeit kann zu physischer und psychischer Belastung führen.
Long hours of screen work can lead to physical and psychological strain.
This meaning is almost always used as the opposite of 'psychisch' (relating to the mind/psyche). You will often find both words in the same sentence or context to emphasize the difference between body and mind.
Die Therapie behandelt sowohl die physischen als auch die psychischen Ursachen der Krankheit.
The therapy treats both the physical and the psychological causes of the illness.
This meaning is used to distinguish real, tangible objects from digital or virtual versions. It often appears in discussions about media, online shopping, or data.
Viele Spieler bevorzugen eine physische Kopie des Spiels statt eines Downloads.
Many players prefer a physical copy of the game instead of a download.
real
When referring to an in-person meeting, both words can contrast with a purely virtual situation. „Physisch“ emphasizes physical presence in the material world, while „real“ mainly says that the event is actually taking place. For a contrast with online, „physisch“ is therefore often more precise.
Unser Treffen fand physisch im Büro und nicht nur online statt.
Our meeting took place physically in the office and not just online.
Unser Treffen war real und nicht nur eine erfundene Geschichte im Internet.
Our meeting was real and not just an invented story on the internet.
