growth
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growth
The natural process by which living beings such as humans, animals, or plants become bigger, heavier, or more mature.
Das Wachstum der Sonnenblumen in unserem Garten ist dieses Jahr erstaunlich.
The growth of the sunflowers in our garden is astonishing this year.
The noun 'Wachstum' (growth) is derived directly from the verb 'wachsen' (to grow). The ending '-tum' forms a neuter noun that describes a state or process, similar to 'Reichtum' (wealth) or 'Eigentum' (property).
Das Kind ist im letzten Jahr stark gewachsen.
The child grew a lot last year.
The exact meaning of 'Wachstum' is often specified by an adjective or a noun in the genitive. This helps you recognize whether it is about the economy, biology, or something abstract.
Die Firma erlebte ein schnelles wirtschaftliches Wachstum.
The company experienced rapid economic growth.
In an economic context, 'Wachstum' is frequently used with verbs like 'ankurbeln' (to stimulate), 'fördern' (to promote), or 'generieren' (to generate). Typical adjectives are 'stark' (strong), 'schwach' (weak), or 'nachhaltig' (sustainable).
Die neuen Maßnahmen sollen das Wachstum der Wirtschaft ankurbeln.
The new measures are intended to stimulate growth in the economy.
In medicine, 'Wachstum' often has a negative meaning and describes the multiplication of diseased tissue. Common combinations are 'unkontrolliertes Wachstum' (uncontrolled growth) or 'das Wachstum eines Tumors' (the growth of a tumor).
Die Behandlung soll das weitere Wachstum der Zellen stoppen.
The treatment is intended to stop the further growth of the cells.
development
'die Entwicklung' and 'das Wachstum' can both describe a process over a longer period of time. But 'das Wachstum' usually means that something becomes more, bigger, or stronger, for example a child, a plant, a company, or an idea. 'die Entwicklung' is broader: it can also mean that something changes, becomes more mature, or moves in a new direction, without simply becoming bigger. The words can easily be confused because growth is often part of development. If it is about an increase, 'Wachstum' is more precise. If it is about the whole course of events and several changes, 'Entwicklung' is more natural.
Das Wachstum der Pflanzen war nach dem vielen Regen besonders stark.
The growth of the plants was especially strong after all the rain.
Mina hat im Gespräch die Entwicklung der Stadt in den letzten Jahren beschrieben.
In the conversation, Mina described the development of the city over the past few years.