German word

intellektuell

Pronunciation

IPA/ˌɪntɛlɛktuˈɛl/

Meaning

  • adjectiveintellectual

Example

Die Diskussion wurde immer intellektueller.

The discussion became increasingly intellectual.

Illustration for intellektuell (intellectual)

More examples

Wir führen oft intellektuelle Diskussionen über Literatur.

We often have intellectual discussions about literature.

Core concept

A person or activity guided by ideas, knowledge, and theoretical thought rather than immediate practical action.

Common phrases

  • intellektuelle Diskussion

    intellectual discussion

  • intellektuelle Debatte

    intellectual debate

  • intellektuelle Auseinandersetzung

    intellectual dispute

Similar words

gebildet: Having broad knowledge and culture gained through education and reading.
klug: Able to understand information well and make sound judgments.
gelehrt: Having deep, specialized knowledge in an academic field.
theoretisch: Focused on ideas and principles rather than practical application.

Definition in German

Bezieht sich auf Denken, Wissen oder wissenschaftliche Tätigkeit; bezeichnet geistige, oft theoretische Eigenschaften.

Word origin

German intellektuell entered through French intellectuel from Latin intellectualis, which is based on intellectus, meaning 'understanding'.

Usage tips

  • Intellektuell sounds more formal and academic than klug or gebildet in many everyday descriptions.

Other meanings

  • scholarlyadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • Intellektualitätintellectualitynoun
  • Intellektuelleintellectualnoun
  • Intellektualismusintellectualismnoun

Word lists with this word