physical
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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.
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
'real' and 'physisch' can seem similar when talking about things that are not just digital or imagined. 'real' generally means that something actually exists. 'physisch' is narrower: it often means something bodily or something material that exists in the real world and can be touched. Learners may confuse the words because a physical object is usually also real. But not everything real is physical: an appointment, a problem, or a feeling can be real without being a tangible object. If the body or a material object is important, 'physisch' fits. If it is only about reality, 'real' fits better.
Für die Anmeldung braucht die Schule eine physische Kopie des Dokuments.
For registration, the school needs a physical copy of the document.
Das Problem ist real, auch wenn man es nicht sofort sehen kann.
The problem is real, even if you cannot see it right away.