German word

Gentechnik

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈgeːnˌtɛçnɪk/

Meaning

  • feminine noungenetic engineering

Example

Die Risiken der Gentechnik sind umstritten.

The risks of genetic engineering are controversial.

Illustration for Gentechnik (genetic engineering)

More examples

Die Debatte um Gentechnik betrifft oft ethische Fragen.

The discussion of genetic engineering often involves ethical questions.

Core concept

A set of molecular tools that edits, removes, or inserts genetic instructions in living organisms.

Common phrases

  • Ethische Debatte um Gentechnik

    Ethical discussion of genetic engineering

  • Regulierung der Gentechnik

    Genetic engineering regulation

Similar words

Biotechnologie: Using microorganisms or cells to make useful products such as medicines and foods.
Genetik: The scientific study of genes and the mechanisms of heredity.
Genmanipulation: Deliberately rewriting or recombining an organism's genes.
Klonen: Producing an organism with the same genetic makeup as another organism.

Definition in German

Verfahren und Methoden, mit denen gezielt die Gene von Organismen verändert, entfernt oder neu eingefügt werden, um bestimmte Eigenschaften zu erzielen.

Word origin

The compound Gentechnik joins Gen, the German scientific term for a gene, with Technik, the German noun for technology or technical practice.

Usage tips

  • The adjective gentechnisch means related to genetic engineering, whereas genetisch is the broader word for anything genetic or hereditary.

Other meanings

  • genetic modificationnoun
  • genetic manipulationnoun

Opposites

  • natürliche Züchtungnatural breedingnoun

Related words

  • Gentechnikgesetzgenetic engineering lawnoun
  • gentechnischrelated to genetic engineeringadjective

Word lists with this word