German word

Nachhinein

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈnaːxhɪˌnaɪ̯n/

Meaning

  • neuter nounretrospect

Example

Im Nachhinein war die Entscheidung falsch.

In retrospect, the decision was wrong.

Illustration for Nachhinein (retrospect)

More examples

Er korrigierte die Daten erst im Nachhinein.

He corrected the data only afterward.

Core concept

A completed event is placed behind the observer, who can then judge it with knowledge unavailable at the time.

Common phrases

  • im Nachhinein

    in retrospect

  • erst im Nachhinein

    only in retrospect

  • im Nachhinein festgestellt

    established in retrospect

Similar words

Rückblick: Reflecting on past events with the benefit of hindsight.
Einschätzung: An evaluation of a matter or situation.
Erkenntnis: A new insight gained from an event or experience.

Definition in German

Das nachträgliche Betrachten oder Bewerten eines Ereignisses oder einer Entscheidung.

Word origin

The noun Nachhinein is formed from the directional elements nach and hinein and is capitalized because the combination functions as a noun in German.

Usage tips

  • Im Nachhinein usually suggests reflection or hindsight, whereas danach mainly marks simple sequence and often translates as 'afterward'.

Other meanings

  • hindsightnoun
  • afterwardadverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word