abstrakt
The English word abstract is translated into German as abstrakt.
The adjective abstrakt is used to describe things that are apart from practice or reality and are not concrete. For the noun 'abstraction', use Abstraktion. If you want to express the idea of considering something abstractly, use the verb abstrahieren. Additionally, the terms Auszug or Zusammenfassung can be used to mean an abridgement or summary.
Meaning: apart from practice or reality, not concrete (adj)
Which one should you use?
abstrakt is the direct antonym of the German word konkret (concrete).
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective abstrakt changes its ending depending on the gender, case and article of the noun it modifies. For example, you might use abstrakte for feminine or plural nouns in the nominative case.
Did you know?
- In German academic writing, a summary at the start of a paper is often called an Abstract using the English word, rather than the German Zusammenfassung.
- A German speaker might use the word ungreifbar to describe something 'abstract' if they want to convey that it is literally 'un-graspable' or intangible.
- While 'abstrakt' describes concepts, the German word for a summary or an extract, Auszug, literally translates to 'a pulling out'.
Examples in context
- Die Theorie ist mir zu abstrakt.The theory is too abstract for me.This sentence is useful for saying a theory is too abstract using abstrakt.Tatoeba #2346942 by Tamy, translation #43489 by CK
- Diese Darstellung ist zu abstrakt.This description is too abstract.This sentence is useful for saying a description is too abstract using abstrakt.Tatoeba #1412462 by al_ex_an_der, translation #4800241 by feyero
- Ihre Erklärung ist mir zu abstrakt.Your explanation is too abstract for me.This sentence is useful for saying an explanation is too abstract using abstrakt.Tatoeba #3680452 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3679042 by AlanF_US
- Die Studie beinhaltet ein abstraktes Konzept zur Lösung des Problems.The study includes an abstract concept for solving the problem.
- Die Malerei dieser Künstlerin ist sehr abstrakt.The painting of this artist is very abstract.
- Die abstrakte Theorie ist in der Mathematik von zentraler Bedeutung.The abstract theory is of central importance in mathematics.
- 18 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Felix are discussing a modern painting in a gallery.
- SarahDas Bild ist sehr abstrakt.The painting is very abstract.
- FelixJa, ich verstehe es nicht.Yes, I don't understand it.
- SarahEs wirkt auf mich sehr abstrakt.It seems very abstract to me.
- FelixDas stimmt, es gibt keine erkennbaren Formen.That's true, there are no recognizable shapes.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “abstract” translations and entries abstrakt, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
