noun

die Gattung, -en

genus

Eine Gruppe von Dingen, Lebewesen oder Werken, die wichtige gemeinsame Merkmale haben.

The German word "Gattung" is a noun meaning "genus", "kind", "category", or "type". It refers to a classification or grouping of things with common characteristics, often used in biology (taxonomy) or arts (literary or music genres).

  • Root word: "Gattung" itself is a root noun here (not composed of smaller meaningful parts in this case).
  • Meaning: a group or category sharing similar traits.

Similar words:

  • "Art" — species, kind
  • "Kategorie" — category
  • "Klasse" — class
  • "Sorte" — sort, type

Differences:

  • "Gattung" is often more formal or scientific, especially in biology (taxonomy), denoting a rank above species.
  • "Art" typically refers to species or type but can be less formal.
  • "Kategorie" and "Klasse" are broader, often general classification terms.
  • "Sorte" usually refers to varieties or types, often in horticulture or products.

In summary, Gattung emphasizes a formal, hierarchical grouping, often scientific or artistic, whereas the others vary in specificity and context.

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Examples

Jede Gattung hat besondere Merkmale.noun

Each genus has distinctive characteristics.

Die Gattung umfasst viele Arten.noun

The genus includes many species.

Eine Gattung wird durch gemeinsame Eigenschaften definiert.noun

A genus is defined by common characteristics.

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