German word

organisch

Pronunciation

IPA/ɔɐ̯ˈgaːnɪʃ/

Meaning

  • adjectiveorganic

Example

Die Firma verfolgt ein organisches Wachstum.

The company is pursuing organic growth.

Illustration for organisch (organic)

More examples

Im Kurs analysierten wir typische organische Verbindungen.

In class, we analyzed typical organic compounds.

Core concept

A connected living structure that grows from within rather than being assembled suddenly, with carbon-based matter as its chemical counterpart.

Common phrases

  • organisches Wachstum

    organic growth

  • organische Verbindung

    organic compound

  • organische Lebensmittel

    organic food

Similar words

biologisch: Concerning living things, their bodies, or their biological processes.
natürlich: Natural in origin or condition, without artificial alteration.
allmählich: Changing or advancing little by little over time.
anorganisch: Relating to inorganic matter or qualities lacking organic components.

Definition in German

Nicht künstlich oder abrupt, sondern aus dem inneren Gefüge heraus gewachsen und in sich stimmig; in der Chemie auf Kohlenstoffverbindungen bezogen.

Word origin

German organisch comes through Latin organicus from Greek organikos, derived from organon, meaning "instrument" or "organ," and developed links to living systems and carbon chemistry.

Usage tips

  • In German, organisch is common in scientific and figurative contexts, while Bio is usually the everyday label for organically produced food.

Opposites

  • anorganischinorganicadjective
  • synthetischsyntheticadjective

Related words

  • Organikorganic chemistrynoun

Word lists with this word