Biologie
/bioloˈɡiː/feminine
The German word for biology is Biologie.
Biologie refers to the study of living matter.
Meaning: study of living matter (noun)
Which one should you use?
Bio is an informal shorthand term for biology.
How does it change in a sentence?
Biologie is a feminine noun. The noun is feminine, so it takes the feminine definite article die. When talking about biology as a general subject of study, it is often used without an article, similar to English.
How do you pronounce it?
/bioloˈɡiː/
Did you know?
- In German, the shorthand Bio is used not only for biology but also to label organic food as Bio-Produkte.
- The word Biologie entered the German language around 1800, combining the prefix bio- and the suffix -logie.
- If a German student says they are 'in der Biologie' rather than just 'in Biologie', they are often referring specifically to the department or the lecture hall rather than the abstract field of study.
Examples in context
- Tom hat Biologie studiert.Tom studied biology.This sentence shows the use of Biologie as a field of study.Tatoeba #7441787 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #6645898 by CK
- Ich mochte Biologie noch nie.I never liked biology.This sentence shows how to express a preference regarding the subject Biologie.Tatoeba #119 by ludoviko, translation #1317 by brauliobezerra
- Wie war deine Biologieklausur?How was your biology exam?This sentence shows how to use Biologie when referring to an exam.Tatoeba #11082940 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #7002703 by Hybrid
- Die Biologie ist eine Naturwissenschaft, die sich mit dem Leben und den lebenden Organismen beschäftigt.Biology is a natural science that deals with life and living organisms.
- Ich studiere Bio an der Universität.I am studying biology at the university.
- Die Lehre vom Leben ist faszinierend.The study of life is fascinating.
- Die Naturkunde beschäftigt sich mit den Grundlagen der Biologie.Natural history deals with the fundamentals of biology.
- 42 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Felix are talking about their school subjects.
- HannahMagst du Biologie?Do you like biology?
- FelixJa, Biologie ist mein Lieblingsfach.Yes, biology is my favorite subject.
- HannahWir haben morgen einen Test in Biologie.We have a test in biology tomorrow.
- FelixOh nein, ich muss mehr lernen!Oh no, I need to study more!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “biology” translations and entries Biologie, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Biologie, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
