Paradoxon
/paˈʁaːdɔksɔn/neuter
The English word paradox is translated into German as Paradoxon. Wiktionary also lists Paradox.
Meaning: apparent contradiction which is nonetheless true (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Paradoxon | /paˈʁaːdɔksɔn/ /paʁaˈdɔksɔn/ (also) |
neuter |
| Paradox | /paʁaˈdɔks/ | neuter |
A paradox is an apparent contradiction that is nonetheless true.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word is neuter. The plural of Paradoxon is Paradoxa, and the genitive singular form is Paradoxons.
How do you pronounce it?
/paˈʁaːdɔksɔn/
Did you know?
- While the standard plural is Paradoxa, you will often see Paradoxien in modern texts to make the word sound more naturally German.
- In German academic writing, a Paradoxon is often treated as a rhetorical device (a 'Stylfigur') rather than just a logical error.
- In German, paradox can be used as an adjective to describe something that is simply absurd or nonsensical, not just a logical contradiction.
Examples in context
- Dies war einst ein Paradox, aber nun bestätigt es die Zeit.This has been a paradox, but now the time gives it proof.The sentence uses Paradox.Tatoeba #1222848 by al_ex_an_der, translation #1222849 by al_ex_an_der
- Ist dir bewusst, dass du gerade, als du auf sein „Du lügst immer“ mit „Du hast recht!“ antwortetest, ein Paradoxon erzeugtest?You realize that when you replied "He’s right!" to his "You always lie," you’ve just created a paradox?The sentence uses Paradoxon.Tatoeba #10016751 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #10016727 by espamatics
- Was für ein erstaunliches Paradoxon, dass ein Franzose den Nobelpreis für Wirtschaftswissenschaften erhält.What an incredible paradox that a French person is receiving the Nobel Prize in economics.Tatoeba #13515956 by felix63, translation #13515961 by frpzzd
- Es ist ein interessanter Widerspruch.It is an interesting paradox.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two students are discussing a philosophy lecture in a cafe.
- HannahDieses Paradoxon ist wirklich schwer zu verstehen.This paradox is really difficult to understand.
- LukasJa, die Logik dahinter ist total verwirrend.Yes, the logic behind it is totally confusing.
- HannahGlaubst du, das Paradoxon lässt sich lösen?Do you think the paradox can be solved?
- LukasVielleicht nicht, es ist eben ein Paradoxon.Maybe not, it is a paradox, after all.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “paradox” translations and entries Paradoxon, Paradox, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
