German Conversation · Level 161
30 words
German word
Vernunft
Pronunciation
IPA/fɛɐ̯ˈnʊnft/
Meaning
- feminine nounreason
Example
Er handelt nach der Vernunft.
He acts according to reason.
More examples
Die Entscheidung widersprach jeder Vernunft.
The decision went against all reason.
Core concept
A person pauses, connects facts logically, and avoids an impulsive choice.
Common phrases
auf die Vernunft hören
listen to reason
im Namen der Vernunft
in the name of reason
Mangel an Vernunft
lack of reason
gegen jede Vernunft
against all reason
Similar words
Verstand: The mental ability to understand and think using experience and knowledge.
gesunder Menschenverstand: Practical judgment based on what is normally sensible in everyday life.
Logik: Reasoning in which ideas and steps connect in a clear, orderly way.
Definition in German
Vernunft bezeichnet die geistige Fähigkeit, Sachverhalte logisch zu beurteilen und vernünftig zu handeln.
Word origin
Old High German firnūft became Middle High German vernunft and later Vernunft, with the meaning shifting from understanding toward rational judgment.
Usage tips
- The fixed expressions zur Vernunft kommen and jemanden zur Vernunft bringen mean to become or make someone act sensibly.
Other meanings
- common sensenoun
- good judgmentnoun
- good sensenoun
Opposites
- Unvernunftunreasonnoun
- Torheitfollynoun
Related words
- vernünftigreasonableadjective
- vernunftwidrigcontrary to reasonadjective