Idee
/iˈdeː/
The English word 'idea' is translated into German as Idee.
Idee refers to any result of mental activity, such as a thought, a notion or a way of thinking.
Meaning: any result of mental activity, a thought, a notion, a way of thinking (noun)
Which one should you use?
While Idee is a general term for an idea, other words are used for specific contexts. Use Das Konzept when referring to the idea behind a detailed plan, project or theory. Use Die Überlegung when discussing thoughtful considerations or deliberations.
How does it change in a sentence?
Idee is a feminine noun, meaning its definite article in the nominative case is die. The plural form of Idee is Ideen.
How do you pronounce it?
/iˈdeː/
Did you know?
- An 'idea' that is completely absurd or nonsensical is sometimes called ein Hirngespinst, which translates to a 'brain-spun thing' or a 'figment of the imagination'.
- The German word Idee comes from the Ancient Greek word εἴδω, which means 'to see'. In its earliest sense, an 'idea' was not a thought but a mental image or a pattern that could be seen.
- In German, if you want to describe a 'great idea', you might use the word Einfall, which literally translates to a 'fall-in' or an 'outburst'.
Examples in context
- Es ist Toms Idee.It's Tom's idea.This sentence shows how to assign an Idee to a person.Tatoeba #6615627 by Felixjp, translation #2235831 by CK
- Das ist die Idee.That's the idea.This sentence demonstrates how to identify a specific Idee.Tatoeba #9547581 by PDotAlex, translation #2257416 by CK
- Das war eure Idee.This was your idea.This sentence shows how to refer to an Idee that belonged to a group.Tatoeba #3861246 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2216868 by Hybrid
- Ich habe eine tolle Idee für unser nächstes Projekt!I have a great idea for our next project!
- 781 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Maximilian are discussing a project at work.
- JuliaHast du eine Idee für das Projekt?Do you have an idea for the project?
- MaximilianIch habe eine Idee, aber sie ist teuer.I have an idea, but it is expensive.
- JuliaErzähl mir bitte deine Idee.Please tell me your idea.
- MaximilianWir könnten eine App entwickeln.We could develop an app.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Idee, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Idee, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
