biologisch abbaubar
The English phrase biodegradable is translated into German as biologisch abbaubar.
This term is used to describe substances or products that are capable of being decomposed by biological activity.
Meaning: capable of being decomposed by biological activity (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of biologisch (biologically) and abbaubar (decomposable/breakable down).
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as an attributive adjective before a noun, the phrase takes adjective endings. For example, you would use biologisch abbaubare for feminine nouns, such as in biologisch abbaubare Verpackung (biodegradable packaging).
Did you know?
- The root verb abbauen is a linguistic chameleon that can mean 'to decompose' in chemistry, 'to dismantle' a stage in a theater, or even 'to reduce' a workforce in a company. This makes the 'breaking down' aspect of the word highly versatile.
- In German waste management, the term Bioabfall is used specifically for organic waste. This is collected in distinctive brown bins, a system that is strictly regulated to ensure that only truly biodegradable material enters the composting cycle.
- While biologisch abbaubar refers to the chemical process, the abbreviation Bio on food packaging refers to a strict legal certification for organic farming.
Examples in context
- Ist das biologisch abbaubar?Is this biodegradable?This sentence is useful for asking if a specific item is biologisch abbaubar.Tatoeba #5928776 by brauchinet, translation #5927332 by mailohilohi
- Die Verpackung dieses Produkts ist biologisch abbaubarThe packaging of this product is biodegradable
- Die biologisch abbaubare Verpackung schützt die Umwelt.The biodegradable packaging protects the environment.
- Diese Verpackung ist biologisch abbaubar.This packaging is biodegradable.
- Wir suchen nach biologisch abbaubaren Materialien.We are looking for biodegradable materials.
Example conversation
Lukas and Hannah are shopping for household supplies.
- LukasSind diese Schwämme biologisch abbaubar?Are these sponges biodegradable?
- HannahJa, sie bestehen aus natürlichen Fasern.Yes, they are made of natural fibers.
- LukasDas ist super für die Umwelt.That is great for the environment.
- HannahGenau, deshalb nehmen wir diese.Exactly, that's why we'll take these.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “biodegradable” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
