reply / replica
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reply
A quick-witted, quick, or sharp answer to a statement or question. It can also be a formal response in a debate.
Auf seine unverschämte Bemerkung wusste sie keine passende Replik.
She couldn't think of a suitable reply to his rude remark.
replica
An exact reproduction or copy of a work of art. A replica is often made by the artist themselves or under their supervision.
Das Museum stellt nur eine Replik der Krone aus, das Original liegt im Tresor.
The museum is only displaying a replica of the crown; the original is in the vault.
reply
In a legal context, the plaintiff's response to the defendant's statement of defense in a civil lawsuit.
Der Anwalt reichte die Replik fristgerecht bei Gericht ein.
The lawyer filed the reply with the court on time.
replication
In biology, the identical duplication of genetic material (DNA) before cell division. The technical term is replication.
Fehler bei der Replik der DNA können zu Mutationen führen.
Errors in the replication of DNA can lead to mutations.
The meaning of 'Replik' depends strongly on the field. Pay attention to the context: in a debate it is a reply, in a museum a copy, in court a legal pleading, and in biology a technical term for cell duplication.
Seine scharfe Replik beendete die Diskussion.
His sharp reply ended the discussion.
In the meaning of 'Antwort' (answer), 'Replik' is often combined with adjectives such as 'schlagfertig' (quick-witted), 'passend' (suitable), or 'scharf' (sharp). Typical verbs are 'eine Replik geben' (to give a reply) or 'keine Replik wissen' (to be unable to think of a reply).
Auf diese Frage hatte er keine schlagfertige Replik parat.
He didn't have a quick-witted reply ready for this question.
When it comes to art, it is often a 'Replik von' (replica of) or 'Replik eines' (replica of a) famous work. People also say that a replica is 'angefertigt' (made) or 'ausgestellt' (displayed).
Der Künstler fertigte selbst eine Replik seiner berühmtesten Skulptur an.
The artist himself made a replica of his most famous sculpture.
This meaning is used exclusively in legal terminology. You will not hear it outside of court proceedings.
Das Gericht hat dem Kläger eine Frist für die Replik gesetzt.
The court set the plaintiff a deadline for the reply.
copy
Kopie is the general term for a similar reproduction of a work of art. Replik more specifically refers to an exact reproduction of a particular work of art and may indicate that it was made by the artist or under the artist’s supervision. When this special origin or degree of accuracy is relevant, Replik is the better choice.
Die Galerie zeigte eine Replik des berühmten Gemäldes, die unter Aufsicht des Künstlers entstand.
The gallery displayed a replica of the famous painting that was made under the artist’s supervision.
Die Galerie zeigte eine Kopie des berühmten Gemäldes für Besucher.
The gallery displayed a copy of the famous painting for visitors.
