Genetik
/ɡeˈneːtɪk/feminine
The English phrase 'genetics' is translated into German as Genetik. Wiktionary also lists Vererbungslehre.
Meaning: branch of biology (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Genetik | /ɡeˈneːtɪk/ | feminine |
| Vererbungslehre | feminine |
Genetics refers to the branch of biology. In formal settings, you can use the phrase das Fachgebiet Genetik to refer to the field of genetics or das Studium der Genetik to refer to the study of the subject.
Which one should you use?
Genetik is the standard term for the scientific field. Vererbungslehre is a more formal, descriptive term meaning 'the doctrine of inheritance'.
How does it change in a sentence?
As a feminine noun, Genetik always takes the feminine article die in the nominative case. The adjective form of Genetik is genetisch.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡeˈneːtɪk/
Did you know?
- The root of Vererbungslehre, the word 'Erbe', refers to 'inheritance', but it is also the exact same word used for a person's 'heritage' or 'legacy'. This links the biological concept of genes directly to the cultural concept of one's past.
- If you are talking about someone's 'genetic makeup' in a casual way, Germans might use the word 'Veranlagung', which more closely translates to 'disposition' or 'predisposition'.
- The adjective genetisch can be used to describe things that are not biological at all, such as a 'genetisch determinierter Plan' (a genetically determined plan) in social sciences, implying a sense of inevitability.
Examples in context
- Ich studiere seit vier Jahren Genetik.I've been studying genetics for 4 years.Tatoeba #1149291 by kolonjano, translation #8759384 by deniko
- Ich interessiere mich sehr für das Studium der Genetik.I'm very interested in the study of genetics.
- Die moderne Genetik hat unser Verständnis von Krankheiten verbessert.Modern genetics has improved our understanding of diseases.
- Die Genetik erklärt viele biologische Merkmale.Genetics explains many biological traits.
- Sie ist Expertin für Genetik.She is an expert in genetics.
Example conversation
Julia and Julian are discussing their university subjects.
- JuliaWas fasziniert dich an der Genetik?What fascinates you about genetics?
- JulianDie Forschung in der Genetik ist sehr spannend.Research in genetics is very exciting.
- JuliaJulian, studierst du das jetzt offiziell?Julian, are you officially studying that now?
- JulianJa, das ist mein Hauptfach.Yes, that is my major.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “genetics” translations and entries Genetik, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
