spezifisch
specific
Referring to a particular, individual thing; precise and detailed.
EXAMPLE
Können Sie Ihre Frage bitte spezifischer formulieren?
Could you please formulate your question more specifically?
spezifisch
specific
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Meanings
spezifisch
specific
In technical language, especially biology and medicine, it means 'characteristic' of a particular species, disease, or substance.
EXAMPLE
Das Virus befällt nur spezifische Zelltypen im Körper.
The virus attacks only specific cell types in the body.
Usage tips
Sentence structure with preposition
The adjective 'spezifisch' (specific) is very often used with the preposition 'für' and the accusative to express a characteristic property or association.
EXAMPLE
Diese Symptome sind spezifisch für eine Grippeerkrankung.
These symptoms are specific to a case of the flu.
Typical collocations
To express precision, 'spezifisch' (specific) is often combined with nouns such as 'Frage' (question), 'Information' (information), 'Anforderung' (requirement), or 'Beispiel' (example).
EXAMPLE
Für die Bewerbung gibt es ganz spezifische Anforderungen.
There are very specific requirements for the application.
Context clue: Technical language
The meaning 'characteristic of' is typical of technical texts, especially in biology, medicine, or chemistry. Words like 'Zelle' (cell), 'Art' (species), 'Symptom' (symptom), or 'Wirkstoff' (active ingredient) in the sentence point to this meaning.
EXAMPLE
Dieser Antikörper ist spezifisch für ein einziges Protein.
This antibody is specific to a single protein.
Compare with
spezifisch vs bestimmt
certain / specific
Bestimmt distinguishes individual requirements or characteristics from a larger set. Spezifisch describes something that relates precisely and in detail to a particular thing. Bestimmt is suitable for a selection, while spezifisch is suitable for precisely assigning something to a particular area.
spezifisch
Für den Kurs müssen die Teilnehmer spezifische Anforderungen an die praktische Arbeit erfüllen.
Participants must meet specific requirements concerning the practical work for the course.
bestimmt
Für den Kurs müssen die Teilnehmer bestimmte Anforderungen aus der Liste erfüllen.
Participants must meet certain requirements from the list for the course.
In real life
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