German word

Intellektuelle

Pronunciation

IPA/ˌɪntɛlɛktuˈɛlə/

Meaning

  • noun (m./f.)intellectual

Example

Viele Intellektuelle diskutieren über das Thema.

Many intellectuals are discussing the issue.

Illustration for Intellektuelle (intellectual)

More examples

Internationale Intellektuelle treffen sich auf Symposien.

International intellectuals meet at symposiums.

Core concept

A culturally informed commentator connects abstract ideas with debates about how society should develop.

Common phrases

  • internationale Intellektuelle

    international intellectuals

  • engagierte Intellektuelle

    committed intellectuals

Similar words

Wissenschaftler: A specialist who uses systematic methods to discover new knowledge.
Publizist: A professional commentator who presents opinions in newspapers, magazines, or broadcasts.
Experte: A person with advanced knowledge or skill in a particular field who can offer advice.
Akademiker: A person with a university degree who works in scholarship or education.

Definition in German

Jemand mit breiter geistiger Bildung, der sich zu kulturellen oder politischen Themen öffentlich äußert.

Word origin

Intellektueller is a German borrowing of French intellectuel, ultimately derived from Latin intellectualis and formed around the idea of understanding.

Usage tips

  • The masculine singular has the weak-declension forms der Intellektuelle and den Intellektuellen, while the plural is die Intellektuellen.

Other meanings

  • thinkernoun

Opposites

  • Praktikerpractitionernoun

Related words

  • Intellektualismusintellectualismnoun
  • intellektuellintellectualadjective

Word lists with this word