hypothetisch
The English word "hypothetically" is translated into German as hypothetisch.
hypothetisch is used to describe a situation that is imagined or assumed rather than based on existing facts.
Which one should you use?
Hypothetisch gesehen translates to "hypothetically speaking". For starting a hypothetical premise, you might use Angenommen, dass (assuming that) or the more casual Mal angenommen (let's assume).
How does it change in a sentence?
The word hypothetisch functions as both an adjective and an adverb. To use it as an adverbial modifier meaning "hypothetically", you use the form hypothetisch.
Did you know?
- To express a hypothetical, Germans use the Konjunktiv II mood, which changes the verb itself to signal a non-real situation without needing the word hypothetisch.
- In a debate, calling someone's argument hypothetisch can be an insult. It implies their idea is completely detached from reality rather than just being a logical possibility.
- When using the phrase Mal angenommen, the word mal is a 'modal particle'. It is not a word for 'time' here, but a linguistic tool used to make the hypothetical question sound more casual and less confrontational.
Examples in context
- Hypothetisch gesehen könnte die Lösung des Problems so aussehen.Hypothetically speaking, the solution to the problem could look like this.
- Angenommen, dass wir mehr Zeit hätten, könnten wir das Projekt verbessern.Assuming that we had more time, we could improve the project.
- Mal angenommen, du hättest unbegrenztes Geld, was würdest du tun?Let's assume you had unlimited money, what would you do?
- Das ist ein hypothetisches Problem.That is a hypothetical problem.
- Hypothetisch gesehen wäre das möglich.Hypothetically speaking, that would be possible.
- Wir diskutieren nur ein hypothetisches Szenario.We are only discussing a hypothetical scenario.
Example conversation
Julia and Julian are discussing a possible work problem.
- JuliaWas würdest du hypothetisch tun, wenn der Chef kündigt?What would you hypothetically do if the boss resigned?
- JulianDas ist eine schwierige Frage, Julia.That is a difficult question, Julia.
- JuliaIch frage nur, um vorbereitet zu sein.I am only asking to be prepared.
- JulianVerstehe, ich werde darüber nachdenken.I see, I will think about it.
