civilization
Loading your saved state.
civilization
A highly developed human society with complex social, political, and cultural structures, often characterized by urban development, writing, and technology.
Die ägyptische Zivilisation brachte beeindruckende Bauwerke wie die Pyramiden hervor.
Egyptian civilization produced impressive structures such as the pyramids.
The historical meaning is often used in the plural ('Zivilisationen' — civilizations) or with adjectives such as 'antik' (ancient) or 'früh' (early). The meaning 'moderne Annehmlichkeiten' (modern comforts) often stands in contrast to 'Natur' (nature) or 'Wildnis' (wilderness) and is combined with verbs such as 'zurückkehren' (to return).
Die Zivilisation der Maya ist für ihre Kalender bekannt.
The civilization of the Maya is known for its calendars.
In the historical sense, people often speak of the 'Wiege der Zivilisation' (cradle of civilization) or the 'Aufstieg und Fall' (rise and fall) of a civilization.
Mesopotamien gilt als eine der Wiegen der Zivilisation.
Mesopotamia is considered one of the cradles of civilization.
When referring to modern comforts, the phrases 'in die Zivilisation zurückkehren' (to return to civilization) and 'fern ab von jeder Zivilisation' (far away from any civilization) are very common.
Sie lebten zwei Jahre in einer Hütte, fern ab von jeder Zivilisation.
They lived for two years in a cabin, far away from any civilization.
society / company
'die Gesellschaft' and 'die Zivilisation' can both describe a large human community. 'Die Gesellschaft' is used when talking about people, rules, groups, and social relationships in a country or system. 'Die Zivilisation' fits better when you mean the development of a culture, for example cities, technology, writing, or safe forms of life. Learners may confuse the words because both sound very broad. A practical tip: for social issues, you usually say 'Gesellschaft'; for cultural development and the contrast with the wilderness, 'Zivilisation' is more likely.
Die alte Zivilisation baute große Städte und entwickelte eine eigene Schrift.
The ancient civilization built large cities and developed its own writing system.
Im Kurs sprechen wir darüber, wie sich die Gesellschaft durch neue Technik verändert.
In the course, we talk about how society is changing because of new technology.