German Conversation · Level 54
72 words
German word
Phänomen
Pronunciation
IPA/fɛnoˈmeːn/
Meaning
- neuter nounphenomenon
Example
Die Ursache des Phänomens ist bisher unbekannt.
The cause of the phenomenon is still unknown.
More examples
Stromausfälle sind in dieser Region ein häufiges Phänomen.
Power outages are a frequent phenomenon in this region.
Core concept
Something unusual becomes visible or evident and draws attention as an event worth observing and explaining.
Common phrases
ein häufiges Phänomen
a frequent phenomenon
ein interessantes Phänomen
an interesting phenomenon
Similar words
Erscheinung: The outward appearance or visible state of something.
Ereignis: An occurrence taking place at a specific point in time.
Vorgang: The sequence and development of an event as it unfolds.
Definition in German
Eine beobachtbare Erscheinung oder Tatsache, die vom Gewöhnlichen abweicht und Aufmerksamkeit erregt.
Word origin
Phänomen entered German as a learned borrowing from Latin phaenomenon, from Greek phainomenon, meaning something that appears.
Usage tips
- Phänomen is neuter, so the basic article is das, as in das Phänomen and ein Phänomen.
Opposites
- Alltäglichkeiteverydaynessnoun
- Gewöhnlichkeitordinarinessnoun
Related words
- phänomenalamazingadjective
- phänomenischphenomenaladjective