decomposition
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decomposition
The natural process by which organic substances are broken down by microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. This leads to the decay or rotting of dead material.
Die Zersetzung der Blätter am Waldboden dauert mehrere Monate.
The decomposition of the leaves on the forest floor takes several months.
The noun 'Zersetzung' (decomposition) is derived from the verb 'zersetzen' (to decompose / undermine). The prefix 'zer-' often expresses destruction, falling apart, or dissolution, which plays a role in all meanings of the word.
Die Feuchtigkeit führte zur Zersetzung des alten Holzes.
The moisture led to the decomposition of the old wood.
You can recognize the meaning of 'Zersetzung' (decomposition / undermining) from the context. In a biological context, it is about nature and decay (leaves, corpse). In a political or social context, it is about the undermining of groups or systems (state, morality). In a chemical context, it is about the splitting of substances (compound, elements).
Die Zersetzung von Plastik in der Natur dauert Jahrhunderte.
The decomposition of plastic in nature takes centuries.
This figurative meaning is strongly connected with the history of East Germany. The State Security Service (Stasi) used 'Zersetzung' as the official term for psychological tactics intended to weaken and isolate dissidents.
In den Akten wurde die Methode der Zersetzung detailliert beschrieben.
The method of undermining was described in detail in the files.
dissolution / solution / resolution
'die Auflösung' and 'die Zersetzung' can sound similar in the natural sciences, but they refer to different processes. With 'Auflösung', a solid substance disperses in a liquid, for example salt in water. With 'Zersetzung', a substance is broken down or split into simpler substances, for example by bacteria, heat, or light. The words can be confused because in both cases a substance no longer remains as it was before. The important point is: 'Auflösung' means dissolving in a liquid, while 'Zersetzung' means breakdown or decay.
Im Wald beginnt die Zersetzung der Blätter schon nach wenigen Wochen.
In the forest, the decomposition of the leaves begins after just a few weeks.
Im Kurs beobachteten sie die Auflösung von Zucker in warmem Wasser.
In the course, they observed the dissolution of sugar in warm water.