die Zucht
breeding
The planned and controlled reproduction of animals or plants in order to preserve or improve certain traits.
EXAMPLE
Er ist auf die Zucht seltener Hunderassen spezialisiert.
He specializes in the breeding of rare dog breeds.
die Zucht
breeding / discipline
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Meanings
die Zucht
discipline
Strict discipline and order. This meaning is often slightly outdated and is mostly used in the fixed expression 'Zucht und Ordnung' (discipline and order).
EXAMPLE
In der alten Schule herrschten noch Zucht und Ordnung.
In the old school, discipline and order still prevailed.
Usage tips
Word family
'Zucht' (breeding/discipline) belongs to the word family of the verb 'ziehen' in its old meaning of 'großziehen, erziehen' (to raise, to educate). The related verb for animal and plant reproduction is 'züchten' (to breed).
EXAMPLE
Dieser Landwirt züchtet seit Jahren erfolgreich Rinder.
This farmer has been successfully breeding cattle for years.
Context clue
You recognize the meaning 'Disziplin' (discipline) almost exclusively from the fixed expression 'Zucht und Ordnung' (discipline and order). In all other contexts, especially when it is about animals or plants, reproduction is meant.
EXAMPLE
Er beschäftigt sich mit der Zucht von seltenen Fischen.
He is involved in the breeding of rare fish.
Typical compounds
In the meaning of 'Vermehrung' (reproduction), 'Zucht' (breeding) is often the base word in compounds that name the type of animals or plants. Examples are 'Pferdezucht' (horse breeding), 'Hundezucht' (dog breeding), or 'Pflanzenzucht' (plant breeding).
EXAMPLE
Die Rosenzucht erfordert viel Geduld und Wissen.
Rose breeding requires a lot of patience and knowledge.
Fixed expression
In the meaning of 'Disziplin' (discipline), 'Zucht' is used today almost only in the fixed expression 'Zucht und Ordnung' (discipline and order). This expression often sounds strict and somewhat old-fashioned.
EXAMPLE
Der neue Trainer will im Team wieder für Zucht und Ordnung sorgen.
The new coach wants to restore discipline and order in the team.
Compare with
Zucht vs Disziplin
discipline
Disziplin and Zucht can both express strict order and self-control. “Disziplin” is the normal modern term for this, while “Zucht” sounds slightly outdated in this meaning and usually occurs in the fixed expression “Zucht und Ordnung” (discipline and order). In present-day everyday sentences, “Disziplin” is therefore usually the better choice.
Zucht
Der Trainer verlangte von der Mannschaft eiserne Zucht und Ordnung.
The coach demanded iron discipline and order from the team.
Disziplin
Für die tägliche Vorbereitung auf den Marathon braucht sie viel Disziplin.
Preparing for the marathon every day requires a lot of discipline.
In real life
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