German word

Protein

Pronunciation

IPA/pʁoteˈiːn/

Meaning

  • neuter nounprotein

Example

Der Körper braucht Proteine zum Aufbau der Muskeln.

The body needs protein to build muscle.

Illustration for Protein (protein)

More examples

Bei ausgewogener Ernährung deckt gewöhnliche Kost oft den Bedarf an Proteinen.

With a balanced diet, ordinary food often meets the need for protein.

Core concept

A folded chain of amino acids that acts as a small biological tool, building structures, moving substances, or speeding chemical reactions.

Common phrases

  • Proteine ergänzen

    supplement proteins

  • natürliche Proteine

    natural proteins

  • tierische Proteine vermeiden

    avoid animal proteins

Similar words

Eiweiß: A familiar everyday term for protein, common in conversation and on food labels.
Aminosäure: A small molecular building block of proteins, each with distinct chemical properties and roles.
Proteinpulver: Protein processed into powder for supplementation, often after exercise.
Nährstoff: A substance the body needs for growth, maintenance, and energy.

Definition in German

Protein bezeichnet biologische Makromoleküle aus Aminosäuren, die Struktur, Transport und enzymatische Aktivität im Organismus bereitstellen.

Word origin

The term Protein is an international scientific borrowing based on the Greek adjective proteios, meaning 'primary' or 'of first importance', and entered modern science in the nineteenth century.

Usage tips

  • German uses das Protein and the plural die Proteine, while English often treats protein as a mass noun when referring to the substance generally.

Related words

  • Proteinergänzungprotein supplementationnoun

Word lists with this word