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B1 noun #39 am häufigsten 12 Min. Lesezeit

nature

Top 39

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At the A1 level, 'nature' is a simple word that means the world outside. It is about things like trees, flowers, animals, and the sun. When you go to a park or a forest, you are seeing nature. You might say, 'I like nature' or 'Nature is beautiful.' It is the opposite of things made by people, like cars, houses, or computers. At this level, you don't need to worry about the other meanings of the word. Just think of it as a name for the green world outside your window. Remember, we usually don't say 'the nature' in English; we just say 'nature.' So, 'I love nature' is the best way to say it. You can also think of 'Mother Nature' as a fun way to talk about the earth as if it were a person who takes care of us.

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At the A2 level, you can start using 'nature' to describe more than just trees. You can use it to talk about the weather and the environment in a general way. You might hear people say they want to 'protect nature' or 'save nature.' This means taking care of the earth. You also learn that 'nature' is an uncountable noun, which means you don't usually say 'natures' or 'a nature' when talking about the outdoors. You can also start to see the word in common phrases like 'nature lover' or 'nature walk.' It's a very positive word at this level, often associated with holidays, relaxation, and beauty. You might use it in sentences like, 'We went for a walk in nature last Sunday' or 'There are many nature programs on TV.'

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At the B1 level, you should understand the two main meanings of 'nature.' The first is the physical world (environment), and the second is the basic character of a person or thing. For example, you can say, 'It is human nature to be curious.' This means that all humans are naturally curious. You will also see 'nature' used in more specific ways, like 'the nature of the problem' or 'the nature of the job.' This means the 'type' or 'kind' of problem or job. At this level, you should be careful with the grammar. When you mean 'environment,' don't use 'the.' When you mean 'character,' you usually *do* use 'the' (e.g., the nature of...). You will also encounter the phrase 'by nature,' which describes someone's personality, like 'He is a very quiet person by nature.'

At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'nature' with more nuance and in more formal contexts. You might discuss the 'nature vs. nurture' debate in an essay, which looks at how much of our personality comes from our genes (nature) and how much from our environment (nurture). You will also use 'nature' to describe the essential qualities of complex ideas. For instance, you might talk about the 'transitory nature of fame' or the 'volatile nature of the stock market.' You should be comfortable with idioms like 'second nature' (something you do so well it feels natural) or 'the call of nature' (needing to go to the bathroom). Your vocabulary should also include related words like 'naturalist,' 'naturalize,' and 'supernatural.' You should understand how 'nature' is used in scientific and legal contexts to define the core properties of a subject.

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At the C1 level, you should be able to use 'nature' to discuss abstract philosophical and scientific concepts. You might explore the 'ontological nature of existence' or the 'intrinsic nature of physical laws.' The word becomes a tool for deep analysis. You will recognize how 'nature' is used in literature to reflect human emotions (pathetic fallacy) or as a powerful, indifferent force. You should be able to distinguish between 'nature' and similar terms like 'essence,' 'constitution,' and 'disposition' with high precision. In professional writing, you might use 'nature' to qualify the scope of a project or the limitations of a study, such as 'The qualitative nature of this research allows for deep insight but limited generalization.' You will also be familiar with more obscure idioms and literary references involving nature.

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At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'nature' in all its complexities. You can use it to navigate the most sophisticated academic and professional discourses. You understand the historical evolution of the word, from its Latin roots meaning 'birth' to its modern multifaceted applications. You can use it with subtle irony or deep metaphorical resonance. Whether you are discussing the 'fractal nature of coastlines' in a mathematics paper or the 'performative nature of gender' in a sociology seminar, you use the word with absolute confidence. You are also aware of the cultural variations in how 'nature' is perceived and discussed across different English-speaking societies. You can effortlessly switch between the environmental, character-based, and philosophical uses of the word, ensuring your communication is always precise, evocative, and perfectly suited to the context.

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Nature is the physical world including plants, animals, and landscapes not made by humans.
It also refers to the inherent character or essential qualities of a person or thing.
In English, 'nature' (the environment) is uncountable and usually used without the article 'the'.
Common phrases include 'human nature', 'by nature', and the idiom 'second nature'.

The word nature is a cornerstone of the English language, functioning primarily as a noun that bridges the gap between the physical environment and the internal essence of things. When we speak of nature in its most common sense, we are referring to the entire physical world that exists independently of human intervention. This encompasses everything from the microscopic organisms in a drop of pond water to the vast, swirling galaxies in the cosmos. It includes the weather patterns that dictate our daily lives, the geological formations that shape our landscapes, and the biological diversity that sustains our planet's ecosystems. People use this term when they want to describe the beauty of a forest, the power of a thunderstorm, or the intricate balance of a coral reef. It is a word that evokes a sense of wonder and often carries a connotation of purity or original state, contrasting with the 'artificial' or 'man-made' world of cities and technology.

The Biological Realm: In this context, nature refers to plants, animals, and the natural processes of life. For example, a biologist might study the nature of a specific species' reproductive cycle.
The Inherent Character: Beyond the outdoors, nature describes the fundamental qualities or character of a person or thing. If someone is 'kind by nature,' it means kindness is a basic part of who they are.

Spending time in nature is proven to reduce stress levels and improve mental clarity.

The second major usage of 'nature' is more abstract. It refers to the essential character or constitution of something. When we ask about the 'nature of the problem,' we aren't talking about trees or mountains; we are asking for the core details, the 'what' and 'why' of the situation. This usage is vital in academic, legal, and philosophical discussions. It allows us to categorize behaviors, identify the properties of materials, or debate the 'human nature'—the traits and tendencies that all humans are thought to share. This duality makes 'nature' an incredibly versatile word. You might hear a hiker talk about the beauty of nature in the morning, and then hear a lawyer discuss the confidential nature of a document in the afternoon. Understanding which 'nature' is being used depends entirely on the context of the conversation.

It is simply not in his nature to be dishonest with his friends.

Philosophical Use: Philosophers often debate 'nature vs. nurture,' which explores whether our behavior is determined by our biology (nature) or our environment and upbringing (nurture).

The nature of reality has been a subject of intense debate for centuries.

Mother nature can be both incredibly beautiful and terrifyingly powerful.

Scientific Context: In science, 'nature' often refers to the laws of physics and the physical universe. 'Nature' is also the name of one of the world's most prestigious scientific journals.

The destructive nature of the storm left the coastal town in ruins.

Using 'nature' correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical behavior, which changes depending on the intended meaning. When referring to the natural world (the environment, animals, etc.), 'nature' is an uncountable noun and is almost always used without an article. You would say, 'We should protect nature,' not 'We should protect the nature.' This is a very common mistake for learners. In this sense, 'nature' acts as a proper name for the collective physical world. However, when you are using 'nature' to mean the 'essence' or 'character' of something, it is often followed by the preposition 'of' and usually takes the definite article 'the'. For example, 'The nature of the task was very difficult.' Here, you are specifying which 'nature' you are talking about—the nature of that specific task.

Uncountable (Environment): Used without 'the'. Example: 'Nature is full of surprises.' This refers to the general concept of the outdoors and wildlife.
Countable/Specific (Character): Used with 'the' or possessives. Example: 'The competitive nature of the business' or 'Her generous nature'.

He loves being out in nature, away from the noise of the city.

Another important grammatical pattern is the use of 'by nature.' This phrase is used as an adverbial phrase to describe someone's inherent personality. 'She is shy by nature' means she was born shy or it is a fundamental part of her personality. You can also use 'nature' in compound nouns or as an adjective in its related form, 'natural.' When constructing sentences, consider the formality. In formal writing, you might discuss 'the transitory nature of life,' whereas in casual conversation, you might simply say 'nature is beautiful today.' Pay attention to the verbs that collocate with nature. We 'preserve' nature, we 'study' nature, and we 'commune with' nature. When referring to character, we 'understand' the nature of something or 'change' the nature of a deal.

The nature of the experiment required absolute silence from all participants.

Prepositional Phrases: 'In nature' can mean 'in the wild' or 'in essence'. Example: 'These problems are technical in nature.'

By nature, cats are independent and curious creatures.

The true nature of their relationship was kept secret for many years.

Adjectival Use: While 'nature' is a noun, it often modifies other nouns in compounds like 'nature reserve' or 'nature trail'.

We must respect the laws of nature if we wish to survive as a species.

You will encounter the word 'nature' in a vast array of settings, from the most casual conversations to the most rigorous academic papers. In everyday life, people use it when discussing their weekend plans ('I want to get back to nature'), their pets ('It's just in a dog's nature to bark'), or the weather ('Nature is being very unkind today with all this rain'). It is a staple of travel blogs, lifestyle magazines, and environmental documentaries. Sir David Attenborough's voice is almost synonymous with the 'wonders of nature.' In these contexts, the word often carries an emotional weight, representing a place of peace, beauty, or raw power that stands in contrast to the stresses of modern, urban life.

In Documentaries: Narrators use 'nature' to describe the complex systems of the planet. Phrases like 'the balance of nature' are common here.
In News and Politics: Journalists often use 'nature' to describe the type of an event. 'The nature of the emergency' or 'the political nature of the decision' are frequent phrases.

The documentary explored the fragile nature of the Arctic ecosystem.

In professional and academic environments, 'nature' takes on a more precise, analytical meaning. In science, it refers to the physical laws and phenomena of the universe. One of the most famous scientific journals in the world is simply titled 'Nature.' In legal and business contexts, the word is used to define the essence of a contract, a crime, or a business relationship. A lawyer might speak about the 'confidential nature' of a client's information. In psychology and philosophy, the term is central to the 'nature vs. nurture' debate, which discusses whether human behavior is determined by genetics or environment. Even in technology, you might hear about the 'intuitive nature' of a new software interface. This wide range of use shows that 'nature' is not just about trees; it's a fundamental tool for describing the essence of almost anything.

Due to the sensitive nature of the data, access is strictly limited.

In Business Meetings: You might hear: 'What is the nature of our partnership with this vendor?' meaning 'What kind of partnership is it?'

It's just the nature of the beast; some jobs are just harder than others.

The nature of the work is quite repetitive but very rewarding.

In Art and Poetry: Artists often try to capture the 'nature' of their subjects, meaning their true spirit or essence.

The poet wrote extensively about the healing power of nature.

One of the most frequent errors made by English learners is the over-application of the definite article 'the' when referring to the natural world. In many other languages, a word like 'nature' always requires an article. However, in English, when you are talking about the environment, wildlife, or the physical world in general, you should almost never use 'the'. For instance, saying 'I love the nature' sounds incorrect to a native speaker; the correct form is 'I love nature.' This is because 'nature' in this sense is treated as a unique, abstract entity, similar to how we use names. You wouldn't say 'the London,' and you shouldn't say 'the nature' when referring to the outdoors. The only time you use 'the' is when you are specifying a particular *type* of nature or the nature *of* something specific, like 'the nature of the problem.'

Incorrect Article Usage: Mistake: 'The nature is beautiful here.' Correct: 'Nature is beautiful here.' Use 'the' only for specific character traits.
Confusing Nature with Environment: While similar, 'environment' often refers to the surroundings of a specific place, while 'nature' is the whole world of living things.

Incorrect: We must protect the nature. Correct: We must protect nature.

Another common mistake is confusing 'nature' with 'kind' or 'type.' While they are related, they are not always interchangeable. If you ask, 'What nature of food do you like?' it sounds very strange. You should ask, 'What kind of food do you like?' 'Nature' is used for the *essence* or *character* of something, not just for simple categorization. For example, you can ask about the 'nature of the relationship,' but you wouldn't ask about the 'nature of the car' if you just want to know if it's a sedan or an SUV. Additionally, learners sometimes confuse the noun 'nature' with the adjective 'natural.' Remember that 'nature' is the thing, and 'natural' describes the thing. You can have a 'natural talent,' which is part of your 'nature.' Lastly, be careful with the plural 'natures.' It is rarely used unless you are comparing the fundamental characters of two or more different entities.

It's not in my nature to give up easily (Correct use of possessive).

Misusing 'By Nature': Learners sometimes say 'by his nature' when they should just say 'by nature'. Example: 'He is kind by nature,' not 'He is kind by his nature.'

The nature of the beast is a phrase used to describe something inherently difficult.

The nature of the threat was not immediately clear to the authorities.

Overusing 'Nature': Sometimes 'nature' is redundant. Instead of 'The nature of the weather was rainy,' just say 'The weather was rainy.'

She has a very gentle nature, which makes her a great nurse.

Depending on which sense of 'nature' you are using, there are several synonyms that might be more precise or appropriate for your context. When referring to the physical world, 'environment' is the most common alternative, though it often implies the surroundings of humans rather than the wild world. 'Wildlife' specifically refers to animals and plants, while 'the great outdoors' is a more casual, adventurous way to describe natural settings. 'Ecosystem' is a more scientific term that emphasizes the interconnectedness of living things. If you are talking about the 'nature' of a person or thing, words like 'character,' 'essence,' 'disposition,' or 'temperament' are excellent choices. 'Character' is broad, 'essence' refers to the most important quality, and 'disposition' or 'temperament' specifically refer to a person's mood or personality tendencies.

Nature vs. Environment: 'Nature' is the world itself; 'environment' is the world as it surrounds us. We talk about 'saving the environment' more often than 'saving nature'.
Nature vs. Character: 'Nature' implies something you are born with; 'character' can be built or changed over time through experience and choice.

The essence of the problem was a lack of communication.

In more formal or academic writing, you might use 'constitution' to describe the physical or mental makeup of something, or 'inherent qualities' to describe traits that are a natural part of an object or person. If you are describing the 'nature' of a situation, you might use 'complexion' or 'makeup.' For example, 'The political complexion of the region has changed.' When you want to emphasize the wild, untamed aspect of nature, 'the wilderness' is a powerful alternative. Choosing the right word helps you be more specific. If you say someone has a 'sunny disposition,' it's more descriptive than just saying they have a 'good nature.' Similarly, studying an 'ecosystem' sounds more professional than just studying 'nature.' Understanding these nuances allows you to tailor your language to your audience and your specific goals.

He has a very nervous disposition and worries about everything.

Nature vs. Landscape: A 'landscape' is the visible features of an area of land. 'Nature' is the life and forces within that land.

The wilderness can be a dangerous place for the unprepared.

The inherent risks of the project were well-documented.

Nature vs. Universe: 'The universe' includes everything in space. 'Nature' usually refers to the physical world on Earth.

It is the character of the man that truly matters in the end.

How Formal Is It?

Formell

Neutral

Informell

Child friendly

Umgangssprache

Wusstest du?

In ancient philosophy, 'nature' was often contrasted with 'art' or 'convention'. It wasn't until the 17th century that 'nature' began to be used primarily to describe the physical world as a whole.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /ˈneɪ.tʃə(r)/

US /ˈneɪ.tʃɚ/

The stress is on the first syllable: NAY-ture.

Reimt sich auf

stature feature creature teacher preacher bleacher reacher seizure

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing the 't' as a hard 't' instead of a 'ch' sound.
Stressing the second syllable.
Confusing the pronunciation with 'mature'.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 2/5

Easy to recognize in context, but watch for abstract meanings.

Schreiben 3/5

Common mistake: using 'the' before nature when referring to the environment.

Sprechen 2/5

Pronunciation of the 't' as 'ch' is the main challenge.

Hören 2/5

Easily understood, though it can be confused with 'mature'.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

world tree animal kind person

Als Nächstes lernen

environment character essence natural wildlife

Fortgeschritten

ontology intrinsic disposition temperament ecosystem

Wichtige Grammatik

Zero Article with Abstract Nouns

Nature (in general) does not take 'the'.

The + Noun + Of + Noun

The nature of the problem (specific character).

Adverbial Phrases with 'By'

He is kind by nature.

Compound Nouns

Nature reserve (nature acts as a modifier).

Prepositional Phrases

In nature (referring to essence).

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Beispiele nach Niveau

I love to walk in nature.

J'aime marcher dans la nature.

No 'the' before nature here.

Nature is very beautiful in the spring.

La nature est très belle au printemps.

Nature is the subject of the sentence.

We must take care of nature.

Nous devons prendre soin de la nature.

'Take care of' is a common phrasal verb used with nature.

There are many animals in nature.

Il y a beaucoup d'animaux dans la nature.

'In nature' means in the wild.

The park is a good place to see nature.

Le parc est un bon endroit pour voir la nature.

Nature refers to the plants and birds in the park.

Do you like nature programs on TV?

Aimes-tu les émissions sur la nature à la télé ?

'Nature' acts as an adjective here.

Nature provides us with food and water.

La nature nous fournit de la nourriture et de l'eau.

Nature is personified as a provider.

The colors of nature are amazing.

Les couleurs de la nature sont incroyables.

'Of nature' shows possession/source.

He is a nature lover and goes camping every month.

C'est un amoureux de la nature et il fait du camping chaque mois.

'Nature lover' is a common compound noun.

It is important to protect nature from pollution.

Il est important de protéger la nature de la pollution.

'Protect... from' is the standard pattern.

We went on a nature trail to see the birds.

Nous avons suivi un sentier de découverte de la nature pour voir les oiseaux.

'Nature trail' is a specific type of path.

Mother Nature can be very powerful during a storm.

Mère Nature peut être très puissante pendant une tempête.

'Mother Nature' is a personification.

I prefer nature to big cities.

Je préfère la nature aux grandes villes.

Comparing two different environments.

She enjoys drawing scenes from nature.

Elle aime dessiner des scènes de la nature.

'From nature' means using the real world as a model.

The laws of nature are the same everywhere.

Les lois de la nature sont les mêmes partout.

'Laws of nature' refers to science.

We should live in harmony with nature.

Nous devrions vivre en harmonie avec la nature.

'In harmony with' is a common collocation.

It is just his nature to be helpful to everyone.

C'est tout simplement dans sa nature d'être serviable envers tout le monde.

Here, nature means 'character'.

The nature of the job is very demanding.

La nature du travail est très exigeante.

Use 'the' when followed by 'of'.

She is a very kind person by nature.

C'est une personne très gentille par nature.

'By nature' is an adverbial phrase.

What is the nature of your visit today?

Quelle est la nature de votre visite aujourd'hui ?

Asking for the 'purpose' or 'type' of visit.

They are studying the nature of the new virus.

Ils étudient la nature du nouveau virus.

Refers to the biological characteristics.

The competitive nature of sports can be intense.

La nature compétitive du sport peut être intense.

'Competitive nature' is a common phrase.

It's human nature to want to succeed.

C'est la nature humaine de vouloir réussir.

'Human nature' refers to universal traits.

The true nature of the problem was finally revealed.

La véritable nature du problème a enfin été révélée.

'True nature' means the real essence.

The nature vs. nurture debate is central to psychology.

Le débat entre l'inné et l'acquis est central en psychologie.

Nature (genetics) vs. Nurture (environment).

Public speaking has become second nature to her.

Parler en public est devenu une seconde nature pour elle.

'Second nature' is an idiom for a learned habit.

The transitory nature of life is a common theme in poetry.

La nature éphémère de la vie est un thème commun en poésie.

'Transitory nature' means it doesn't last long.

The call of nature is hard to ignore when you're hiking.

L'appel de la nature est difficile à ignorer quand on fait de la randonnée.

A humorous idiom for needing the bathroom.

The cyclical nature of the seasons is fascinating.

La nature cyclique des saisons est fascinante.

'Cyclical nature' refers to repeating patterns.

The document was confidential in nature.

Le document était de nature confidentielle.

'In nature' functions as an adjective here.

He is a force of nature when he gets an idea.

C'est une force de la nature quand il a une idée.

'Force of nature' describes a very energetic person.

The complex nature of the negotiations led to a delay.

La nature complexe des négociations a entraîné un retard.

Describes the difficulty of the situation.

The intrinsic nature of the material makes it very durable.

La nature intrinsèque du matériau le rend très durable.

'Intrinsic nature' means the built-in qualities.

We must consider the ethical nature of this decision.

Nous devons considérer la nature éthique de cette décision.

Refers to the moral aspects.

The precarious nature of the economy is a major concern.

La nature précaire de l'économie est une préoccupation majeure.

'Precarious nature' means it is unstable.

The performative nature of social media can be exhausting.

La nature performative des réseaux sociaux peut être épuisante.

Refers to acting for an audience.

The very nature of democracy requires active participation.

La nature même de la démocratie exige une participation active.

'The very nature' emphasizes the core essence.

Her work explores the dual nature of human existence.

Son travail explore la double nature de l'existence humaine.

'Dual nature' refers to two opposing parts.

The elusive nature of happiness makes it hard to define.

La nature insaisissable du bonheur le rend difficile à définir.

'Elusive nature' means it is hard to find or catch.

The speculative nature of the investment carries high risk.

La nature spéculative de l'investissement comporte un risque élevé.

Refers to guessing about the future.

The ontological nature of time remains a mystery to physicists.

La nature ontologique du temps reste un mystère pour les physiciens.

'Ontological' refers to the nature of being or existence.

The ephemeral nature of fame is a recurring motif in his novels.

La nature éphémère de la renommée est un motif récurrent dans ses romans.

'Ephemeral' is a sophisticated synonym for transitory.

The paradoxical nature of the statement left everyone confused.

La nature paradoxale de la déclaration a laissé tout le monde confus.

A statement that contradicts itself.

One must grasp the fundamental nature of the universe to be a cosmologist.

Il faut saisir la nature fondamentale de l'univers pour être cosmologiste.

Refers to the most basic laws of reality.

The symbiotic nature of their relationship benefited both parties.

La nature symbiotique de leur relation a profité aux deux parties.

A relationship where both sides help each other.

The subversive nature of the art challenged the status quo.

La nature subversive de l'art a remis en question le statu quo.

'Subversive' means trying to overthrow a system.

The multifaceted nature of the crisis required a global response.

La nature multiforme de la crise a nécessité une réponse mondiale.

'Multifaceted' means having many different parts.

The capricious nature of the tyrant made life unpredictable for his subjects.

La nature capricieuse du tyran rendait la vie imprévisible pour ses sujets.

'Capricious' means changing mood or behavior suddenly.

Häufige Kollokationen

human nature

mother nature

by nature

nature reserve

laws of nature

balance of nature

true nature

nature trail

back to nature

nature of the beast

Häufige Phrasen

In nature

— In the wild or referring to the essence of something.

These problems are technical in nature.

Nature lover

— Someone who enjoys spending time outdoors and appreciates wildlife.

As a nature lover, she spends every weekend hiking.

The nature of...

— The specific characteristics or qualities of a thing.

The nature of the experiment was highly confidential.

Force of nature

— A person who is very strong, energetic, and determined.

My grandmother was a real force of nature.

Call of nature

— A humorous way to say you need to go to the bathroom.

Excuse me for a moment, the call of nature is quite urgent.

Second nature

— A habit or skill that has become automatic through practice.

Driving has become second nature to him after twenty years.

Against nature

— Something that is considered unnatural or immoral.

Some people believe that cloning is against nature.

State of nature

— A philosophical concept of how humans lived before society.

Hobbes described the state of nature as 'nasty, brutish, and short'.

Nature vs. Nurture

— The debate about whether genetics or environment shapes us more.

The nature vs. nurture debate is still ongoing in modern science.

Nature's way

— A natural process or event, often used to explain something difficult.

I suppose getting older is just nature's way of telling us to slow down.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

nature vs environment

Environment is often about the surroundings; nature is the world itself.

nature vs character

Character can be built; nature is usually seen as innate.

nature vs kind

Use 'kind' for categories of objects; use 'nature' for the essence of situations.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"Second nature"

— Something that you can do so easily that you do not have to think about it.

Playing the piano is second nature to her now.

neutral

"The call of nature"

— A polite or humorous way to say that you need to go to the toilet.

I'll be right back; I have to answer the call of nature.

informal

"A force of nature"

— A person who has a very strong personality and a lot of energy.

She’s a force of nature; nothing can stop her once she’s decided on something.

neutral

"The nature of the beast"

— The basic characteristics of a situation, especially a difficult one.

Working late is just the nature of the beast in this job.

informal

"In the lap of nature"

— In a place that is beautiful and surrounded by natural things.

They spent their holiday in the lap of nature, far from the city.

literary

"Nature abhors a vacuum"

— A scientific and philosophical idea that empty spaces are always filled.

As soon as the manager left, someone else took control; nature abhors a vacuum.

formal

"Let nature take its course"

— To allow something to happen or develop without trying to influence it.

The doctors decided to let nature take its course.

neutral

"Human nature being what it is"

— Used to explain why people behave in a certain (often negative) way.

Human nature being what it is, there will always be some level of greed.

neutral

"Red in tooth and claw"

— A phrase describing the violent and competitive side of nature.

The business world can be nature red in tooth and claw.

literary

"One touch of nature makes the whole world kin"

— A Shakespearean quote suggesting a common human bond.

Their shared grief showed that one touch of nature makes the whole world kin.

literary

Leicht verwechselbar

nature vs Natural

It is the adjective form.

Nature is the noun (the thing); natural is the adjective (describing the thing).

Nature is beautiful. It is a natural beauty.

nature vs Mature

Similar sound and spelling.

Mature means fully grown or developed; nature is the physical world.

He is very mature for his age. He loves nature.

nature vs Nurture

Rhyming and often used together.

Nature is what you are born with; nurture is how you are raised.

Is intelligence a result of nature or nurture?

nature vs Nation

Similar starting letters.

A nation is a country; nature is the environment.

The nation must protect its nature.

nature vs Native

Same Latin root.

Native refers to where someone is from; nature is the world.

He is a native of Italy. He loves Italian nature.

Satzmuster

I like [nature].

I like nature.

[Nature] is [adjective].

Nature is beautiful.

It is in [someone's] nature to [verb].

It is in his nature to help.

The nature of [noun] is [adjective].

The nature of the task is difficult.

[Something] is second nature to [someone].

Cooking is second nature to her.

[Someone] is [adjective] by nature.

She is shy by nature.

The [adjective] nature of [noun]...

The transitory nature of life...

The [philosophical adjective] nature of [abstract noun]...

The ontological nature of existence...

Wortfamilie

Substantive

Verben

Adjektive

Verwandt

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So verwendest du es

frequency

Very high; one of the top 1000 words in English.

Häufige Fehler

I love the nature. → I love nature.
When referring to the environment in general, do not use the definite article.
What nature of car do you have? → What kind of car do you have?
Nature refers to essence, not simple categorization of objects.
He is kind by his nature. → He is kind by nature.
The phrase 'by nature' does not require a possessive pronoun.
The nature is beautiful today. → Nature is beautiful today.
Again, no article when referring to the natural world.
I am studying the nature of the birds. → I am studying the birds in nature.
'The nature of the birds' would mean their character, not the birds themselves.

Tipps

No Article for Environment

Always remember: 'I love nature,' not 'I love the nature.' This is the most common mistake.

Use 'By Nature'

Use 'by nature' to describe personality. 'She is generous by nature' sounds very natural.

Second Nature

Use 'second nature' to describe your best skills. 'Speaking English is becoming second nature to me.'

The Nature Of...

In essays, use 'the nature of...' to describe the essence of your topic.

Watch for 'Of'

If you hear 'the nature of', prepare for an abstract explanation, not a talk about trees.

Pronunciation

Don't forget the 'ch' sound! It's NAY-chur, not NAY-tur.

Mother Nature

Use 'Mother Nature' when talking about the weather or the power of the earth.

Laws of Nature

In science, 'nature' refers to the rules that govern the universe, like gravity.

Back to Nature

Use 'back to nature' when talking about camping or living a simple life.

Confidential Nature

In business, use 'confidential nature' to describe secret information.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 'NA' for 'Natural' and 'TURE' for 'Structure'. Nature is the Natural Structure of the world and ourselves.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a giant green 'N' shaped like a tree growing out of a person's heart. The tree is the environment, and the heart is their character.

Word Web

Trees Animals Character Human Environment Wild Essence Natural

Herausforderung

Try to use 'nature' in three different ways today: once for the weather, once for a person's personality, and once for the 'nature of a problem'.

Wortherkunft

The word 'nature' comes from the Middle English 'nature', which was borrowed from Old French. The Old French term originated from the Latin 'natura', which means 'birth' or 'innate character'.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: The original Latin meaning was 'birth', 'constitution', or 'character', deriving from 'natus', the past participle of 'nasci' (to be born).

Indo-European (Latin branch).

Kultureller Kontext

Be aware that 'human nature' is a debated concept; what one culture considers 'natural' behavior, another might see as learned.

English speakers often use 'nature' as a source of metaphors for behavior (e.g., 'a leopard can't change its spots').

The scientific journal 'Nature'. Ralph Waldo Emerson's essay 'Nature'. Sir David Attenborough's nature documentaries.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Environmentalism

protect nature
balance of nature
nature conservation
back to nature

Psychology

human nature
nature vs. nurture
by nature
innate nature

Science

laws of nature
nature of the universe
biological nature
physical nature

Business/Legal

nature of the contract
confidential nature
speculative nature
nature of the business

Everyday Conversation

nature lover
nature walk
second nature
call of nature

Gesprächseinstiege

"Do you prefer spending time in nature or in a big city?"

"What do you think is the most beautiful part of nature in your country?"

"Do you believe that people are good by nature, or do they learn to be good?"

"Is there anything that has become second nature to you over the years?"

"How often do you get a chance to get away from technology and back to nature?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Describe a time when you felt truly connected to nature. What did you see and feel?

Reflect on your own nature. What are three personality traits that you think you were born with?

Write about the nature of a problem you are currently facing. What are its core components?

How has your relationship with nature changed as you have gotten older?

If you could be a 'force of nature', what kind of force would you be and why?

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Only if you are followed by 'of' (e.g., the nature of the problem). If you mean the environment, just say 'nature'.

Usually no, unless it's at the start of a sentence or you are personifying it as 'Mother Nature'.

Nature is the world of living things. Environment is the surroundings of a specific place or person.

It means that a quality is a natural part of someone's personality from birth.

It refers to the common qualities and behaviors that all humans share.

Usually uncountable. You rarely say 'natures' unless comparing the characters of different things.

It means something you have practiced so much that you do it without thinking.

A personification of the earth and its power to create and destroy.

No, but it can be part of compound nouns like 'nature reserve'. The adjective is 'natural'.

A debate about whether genetics (nature) or environment (nurture) determines our behavior.

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