German word

Assoziation

Pronunciation

IPA/asoˌtsi̯aˈtsi̯oːn/

Meaning

  • feminine nounassociation

Example

Bei dem Wort habe ich sofort Assoziationen.

The word immediately brought associations to mind.

Illustration for Assoziation (association)

More examples

In Gesprächen entstehen häufig überraschende Assoziationen.

Surprising associations often arise in conversations.

Core concept

A present stimulus opens a mental link to a stored memory, feeling, or image.

Common phrases

  • freie Assoziation

    free association

  • mit Assoziationen verbunden

    linked to associations

Similar words

Gedanke: A single thought that comes to mind.
Einfall: A brief idea that suddenly occurs.

Definition in German

Verbindung von Vorstellungen, Gefühlen oder Erinnerungen, die durch einen inneren oder äußeren Reiz entsteht.

Word origin

Assoziation comes from Latin associatio, formed from associare, meaning to join or connect.

Usage tips

  • Assoziation is feminine, with the plural form Assoziationen; its spelling uses z where English uses c in association.

Other meanings

  • connectionnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • Assoziationsfähigkeitability to associatenoun
  • Assoziativitätassociativitynoun

Word lists with this word