environment
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environment
The natural world that surrounds us, including air, water, soil, plants, and animals. The term is often used in connection with protecting it from human impact.
Wir müssen mehr für den Schutz unserer Umwelt tun.
We need to do more to protect our environment.
environment
The social, cultural, or personal environment in which a person lives and which influences them.
Er wuchs in einer sehr musikalischen Umwelt auf.
He grew up in a very musical environment.
'Umwelt' is made up of the preposition 'um' (around) and the noun 'Welt' (world). So it literally describes the world that surrounds us.
Der Schutz der Umwelt ist eine globale Aufgabe.
Protecting the environment is a global task.
In the context of nature, 'Umwelt' (environment) is very often connected with topics of protection and destruction. Typical verbs are 'schützen' (to protect), 'belasten' (to burden/pollute), 'verschmutzen' (to pollute), or 'zerstören' (to destroy).
Industrieabgase belasten die Umwelt stark.
Industrial emissions heavily burden the environment.
When 'Umwelt' (environment) means the social environment, adjectives such as 'sozial' (social), 'familiär' (family-related), or 'kulturell' (cultural) often appear with it. Verbs like 'aufwachsen' (to grow up) or 'prägen' (to shape/influence) also point to this meaning.
Die soziale Umwelt hat einen großen Einfluss auf die Entwicklung von Kindern.
The social environment has a major influence on children's development.
nature
Natur and Umwelt can both refer to the natural world around us. Natur tends to emphasize plants, animals, and relatively untouched landscapes, while Umwelt also includes air, water, soil, and human influences. Use Natur for the natural world and Umwelt especially when discussing protection and environmental impact.
Wir fahren mit dem Zug, um die Umwelt weniger zu belasten.
We are taking the train to put less strain on the environment.
Wir wollen am Wochenende in der Natur spazieren gehen.
We want to go for a walk in nature over the weekend.
