biologisch
/ˌbi.oːˈloːɣis/
The English word 'organic' (referring to food) is translated into Dutch as biologisch. Wiktionary also lists organisch.
Meaning: of food and food products: grown without agrichemicals (adj)
Ways to say it
| Dutch | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| biologisch | /ˌbi.oːˈloːɣis/ | |
| organisch | /ɔrˈɣaː.nis/ | rare |
When you want to describe food or food products that are grown without the use of agrichemicals, use the term biologisch.
Which one should you use?
biologisch is the standard term for organic food and farming methods. In contrast, organisch is a scientific term used to refer to organic chemistry or the structural composition of something.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌbi.oːˈloːɣis/. The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use organisch to describe food. In Dutch, using organisch in this context sounds like you are describing the chemical composition of the food rather than the farming method used to grow it.
Did you know?
- While biologisch is the technical term, Dutch shoppers often look for the 'EKO' label, a strict certification that goes beyond the standard European organic requirements.
- Dutch speakers use the word biologisch for cosmetics and clothing made from organic fibers, not just for food products.
- In the Netherlands, the word biologisch is frequently shortened to bio in casual conversation and on product packaging.
Examples in context
- Er is niets organisch aan Tom.There is nothing organic about Tom.This sentence is useful for seeing how organisch is used in a non-food context.Tatoeba #6940253 by Micsmithel, translation #6929318 by Eccles17
- Alle ingrediënten zijn biologisch.All the ingredients are organic.This sentence shows how to describe ingredients as being biologisch.Tatoeba #7455904 by MarijnKp, translation #7446762 by Hybrid
- Is biologisch eten wel zijn geld waard?Is eating organic food worth the money?This sentence is useful for asking about the value of biologisch food.Tatoeba #3324728 by PaulP, translation #953996 by CK
- biologische groentenOrganic vegetables
- biologisch vleesOrganic meat
- biologische zuivelOrganic dairy products
- Heeft u biologische opties?Do you have organic options?
- biologische landbouwOrganic farming
- biologisch tuinierenOrganic gardening
- biologische productiemethodenOrganic production methods
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Lucas are grocery shopping at a supermarket.
- EmmaKoop jij de biologische appels?Are you buying the organic apples?
- LucasJa, ik neem alleen biologisch fruit.Yes, I only take organic fruit.
- EmmaDat is een goede keuze, Lucas.That is a good choice, Lucas.
- LucasHet is wel wat duurder.It is a bit more expensive, though.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “organic” translations and entries biologisch, organisch, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
