German word

körperlich

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈkœɐ̯pɐlɪç/

Meaning

  • adjectivephysical

Example

Nach dem Unfall hat sie viele körperliche Verletzungen.

After the accident, she sustained many physical injuries.

Illustration for körperlich (physical)

More examples

Nach der Impfung hatte er eine leichte körperliche Reaktion.

After the vaccination, he had a mild physical reaction.

Core concept

The observable body in contrast with the mind, spirit, or purely theoretical ideas, from visible appearance to measurable injury.

Common phrases

  • körperliche Reaktion

    physical reaction

  • körperliche Beschwerden

    physical complaints

Similar words

physisch: Relating to the body's observable condition or outward appearance.
psychisch: Relating to thoughts, feelings, mood, or mental well-being.

Definition in German

Den Leib, die Muskeln oder die sinnliche Wahrnehmung des Körpers beschreibend; körperlich wahrnehmbar oder messbar.

Word origin

Körperlich developed as a derivative of Körper 'body' by adding '-lich', a productive German suffix for relational adjectives.

Usage tips

  • In compounds and phrases, körperlich often means bodily or physical, while physisch more readily describes matter, space, or physical laws.

Other meanings

  • physicallyadverb

Opposites

Related words

  • die Körperlichkeitphysicalitynoun
  • körperbetontbody-emphasizingadjective

Word lists with this word