Arktische

Arktische is the German adjective meaning “Arctic” and is used to describe things related to the Arctic region, the area around the North Pole. It appears in scientific, journalistic, and everyday language in phrases such as arktische Klima, arktische Zone, or arktische Tierwelt, and in compound nouns like arktische Region or arktische Temperaturen. The term can refer to geography, climate, ecology, and culture associated with high northern latitudes.

Etymology and usage: The word derives from Arktis, the German name for the Arctic, which in turn comes from Greek arktikos “of the bear,” from arktos “bear.” The association with bears is linked to the circumpolar constellations used in ancient navigation and to the naming of the region.

Geography: The Arctic comprises the Arctic Ocean and surrounding lands north of roughly 66°33′ N, known as the Arctic Circle. The region is connected to the eight Arctic states: Canada, Denmark (Greenland), Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the United States. Its landscapes range from sea ice and tundra to boreal forests at southern edges.

Climate and environment: The Arctic is characterized by long, cold winters, short summers, and seasonal sea ice. Climate change has led to warming, shrinking sea ice, permafrost thaw, and ecological changes that affect wildlife and human communities, including Indigenous peoples.

Language and culture: In German, arktisch and arktische decline according to gender and case; examples include arktische Region or arktische Temperaturen. The noun Arktis denotes the Arctic itself, while arktischer Kreis refers to the Arctic Circle.