German word

Theorie

Pronunciation

IPA/teoˈʁiː/

Meaning

  • feminine nountheory

Example

Ich habe eine Theorie.

I have a theory.

Illustration for Theorie (theory)

More examples

Das ist nur eine Theorie, bis mehr Belege vorliegen.

That is just a theory until more evidence is available.

Core concept

A structured account that links separate facts through shared principles.

Common phrases

  • eine Theorie haben

    have a theory

  • nur eine Theorie

    just a theory

  • die Theorie vertreten

    advocate a theory

Similar words

Hypothese: A proposed explanation that still needs testing and stronger evidence.
These: A clear claim put forward about a particular matter.
Modell: A simplified framework that makes a phenomenon easier to understand.
Erklärung: An account that makes the reason or meaning of an event clear.

Definition in German

Theorie bezeichnet eine begründete Erklärung oder ein Modell, das Beobachtungen zusammenfasst und Beziehungen zwischen Begriffen herstellt.

Word origin

The German noun Theorie is a borrowing ultimately derived from Greek theoria through Latin and subsequent European language forms.

Usage tips

  • In German, Theorie can mean an established explanatory system as well as a doctrine, while Hypothese usually denotes a proposal still awaiting testing.

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word