German Conversation · Level 16
88 words
German word
theoretisch
Pronunciation
IPA/teoˈʁeːtɪʃ/
Meaning
- adjectivetheoretical
Example
Das ist ein theoretisches Problem.
That is a theoretical problem.
More examples
Rein theoretisch wäre das Risiko überschaubar.
Purely in theory, the risk would be manageable.
Core concept
A rule or explanation that shows how something should work before practical details enter.
Common phrases
rein theoretisch
purely theoretical
theoretisch möglich
theoretically possible
aus theoretischer Sicht
from a theoretical point of view
Similar words
praktisch: Designed for practical use and smooth operation in real situations.
konkret: Made clear through specific examples, facts, or details from real cases.
Definition in German
auf Annahmen oder Prinzipien beruhend und oft im Gegensatz zu praktisch gebraucht.
Word origin
The word is a learned borrowing based on Greek theōria and the related form theōretikos, which passed through Latin into European languages.
Usage tips
- Theoretisch can describe a hypothetical possibility in German, as in theoretisch möglich, not only an academic theory.