C1 Expression Formal 2 min de lectura

Als konzeptuelles Problem erweist sich, dass die

As a conceptual problem, it proves that the

Literalmente: As a conceptual problem proves it itself, that the

Use this to elegantly point out that an idea is fundamentally flawed at its core.

En 15 segundos

  • Identifies a fundamental flaw in a plan or theory.
  • Used to introduce a serious logical contradiction.
  • High-level academic or professional German (C1/C2).

Significado

This phrase is used to point out a fundamental flaw in an idea or plan. It's like saying, 'The whole logic falls apart because of this one specific thing.'

Ejemplos clave

3 de 6
1

In a university seminar

Als konzeptuelles Problem erweist sich, dass die Datenquelle unzuverlässig ist.

As a conceptual problem, it proves that the data source is unreliable.

💼
2

Discussing a failed business strategy

Als konzeptuelles Problem erweist sich, dass wir die Zielgruppe falsch eingeschätzt haben.

As a conceptual problem, it proves that we misjudged the target group.

💼
3

Teasing a friend about a bad party plan

Als konzeptuelles Problem erweist sich, dass du niemanden eingeladen hast.

As a conceptual problem, it proves that you haven't invited anyone.

😄
🌍

Contexto cultural

This expression is deeply rooted in German 'Wissenschaftssprache' (academic language). It reflects a cultural tendency to analyze issues from a theoretical and structural perspective rather than just looking at surface-level symptoms. It became a staple in post-war intellectual debates and remains a favorite in quality journalism like 'Die Zeit'.

💡

The 'Dass' Trap

Always remember that `dass` kicks the verb to the end. If you forget, the sophisticated effect of the phrase is lost immediately!

💬

The Intellectual Flex

Using this phrase in a meeting makes you sound like you've analyzed the situation for hours. It's a great way to gain 'Expert-Status' quickly.

En 15 segundos

  • Identifies a fundamental flaw in a plan or theory.
  • Used to introduce a serious logical contradiction.
  • High-level academic or professional German (C1/C2).

What It Means

This phrase is a heavy hitter for intellectual discussions. It suggests that a problem isn't just a small mistake. It is a deep, structural flaw in how something was thought out. Think of it as finding a crack in the foundation of a house. You aren't just complaining about the wallpaper. You are saying the whole building might fall down because the plan was wrong from the start.

How To Use It

You use this to introduce a major 'but.' It usually starts a sentence to set a serious tone. After the word dass, you must follow with a full clause. Remember that in German, the verb goes to the end after dass. It sounds very sophisticated and sharp. Use it when you want to sound like a philosopher or a high-level strategist.

When To Use It

This is perfect for university seminars or high-level business meetings. Use it when reviewing a project proposal that makes no sense. It works well in written essays or formal emails. If a friend suggests a road trip but forgets they don't have a car, you can use this. It adds a layer of mock-intellectual humor to their obvious oversight.

When NOT To Use It

Don't use this for simple physical accidents. If you spill coffee, it’s not a 'conceptual problem.' Avoid it during a first date unless you want to seem incredibly intense. It’s too heavy for casual small talk about the weather. If the fix is easy, don't use this phrase. It implies the problem is hard to solve because the 'concept' is broken.

Cultural Background

Germans love a good structural analysis. There is a cultural appreciation for 'Gründlichkeit' (thoroughness). This phrase reflects that love for getting to the root of a matter. It stems from academic and philosophical discourse. In Germany, being able to identify a 'systemic' or 'conceptual' error is seen as a sign of high intelligence. It’s the language of the 'Dichter und Denker' (poets and thinkers) applied to modern problems.

Common Variations

You might hear Ein grundlegendes Problem ist... for something slightly simpler. Or Das Kernproblem liegt darin, dass... to focus on the heart of the issue. If you want to be even more dramatic, try Es stellt sich als systematischer Fehler heraus. These all point to the same thing: someone didn't think this through properly!

Notas de uso

This phrase is highly formal and best suited for professional or academic environments. It requires a solid grasp of German word order (verb-final in the 'dass' clause).

💡

The 'Dass' Trap

Always remember that `dass` kicks the verb to the end. If you forget, the sophisticated effect of the phrase is lost immediately!

💬

The Intellectual Flex

Using this phrase in a meeting makes you sound like you've analyzed the situation for hours. It's a great way to gain 'Expert-Status' quickly.

⚠️

Don't Overuse It

If you call every small mistake a 'conceptual problem', you'll sound arrogant or disconnected from reality. Save it for the big stuff.

Ejemplos

6
#1 In a university seminar
💼

Als konzeptuelles Problem erweist sich, dass die Datenquelle unzuverlässig ist.

As a conceptual problem, it proves that the data source is unreliable.

Points out a fatal flaw in a research design.

#2 Discussing a failed business strategy
💼

Als konzeptuelles Problem erweist sich, dass wir die Zielgruppe falsch eingeschätzt haben.

As a conceptual problem, it proves that we misjudged the target group.

Explains why the entire marketing plan failed.

#3 Teasing a friend about a bad party plan
😄

Als konzeptuelles Problem erweist sich, dass du niemanden eingeladen hast.

As a conceptual problem, it proves that you haven't invited anyone.

Uses high-level language to joke about a basic mistake.

#4 Writing a formal critique
👔

Als konzeptuelles Problem erweist sich, dass die Theorie die Praxis ignoriert.

As a conceptual problem, it proves that the theory ignores practice.

A classic academic criticism.

#5 Texting a colleague about a software bug
😊

Als konzeptuelles Problem erweist sich, dass die App offline nicht funktioniert.

As a conceptual problem, it proves that the app doesn't work offline.

Suggests the app's basic design is the issue, not just a bug.

#6 Expressing frustration with a political system
💭

Als konzeptuelles Problem erweist sich, dass die Bürokratie zu langsam ist.

As a conceptual problem, it proves that the bureaucracy is too slow.

Critiquing a system on a deep level.

Ponte a prueba

Complete the sentence to critique a flawed project.

Als konzeptuelles Problem ___ sich, dass das Budget nicht ausreicht.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: erweist

The verb `erweisen` (to prove/turn out to be) is the fixed part of this idiomatic expression.

Choose the correct word order after 'dass'.

Als konzeptuelles Problem erweist sich, dass wir keine Zeit ___.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: haben

In a 'dass' clause, the conjugated verb must go to the very end of the sentence.

🎉 Puntuación: /2

Ayudas visuales

Formality Scale

Informal

Talking to friends about a broken toaster.

Das Ding ist kaputt.

Neutral

Standard explanation of a mistake.

Es gibt ein Problem mit dem Plan.

Formal

Academic or high-level professional critique.

Als konzeptuelles Problem erweist sich, dass...

Where to use this phrase

Als konzeptuelles Problem...
🎓

University Essay

Critiquing a philosopher's logic.

💼

Boardroom

Explaining why a merger will fail.

🍕

Sarcastic Joke

Telling a friend their 'diet' of pizza is flawed.

💻

Tech Review

Analyzing a poorly designed software architecture.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

It means 'proves to be' or 'turns out to be'. In this phrase, it suggests that after looking closely, the problem became obvious.

Only if you are being ironic or funny. For example, Als konzeptuelles Problem erweist sich, dass mein Kühlschrank leer ist (The conceptual problem is my fridge is empty).

Yes, because you are identifying a Problem. It is used to highlight a difficulty or a reason why something won't work.

Das Problem ist... is very simple. Als konzeptuelles Problem erweist sich... sounds much more professional and suggests the problem is deeply rooted in the idea itself.

Yes, you must put a comma before the dass to separate the main clause from the subordinate clause.

Yes! You can say Als finanzielles Problem (financial) or Als technisches Problem (technical) to be more specific.

It is common in professional or academic speech, but rare in everyday 'street' German.

Erweist sich sounds more dynamic. It implies a process of discovery or analysis led to this conclusion.

Exactly the same. It refers to the 'Konzept' or the underlying idea of something.

This is definitely C1 or C2. It shows you can handle complex sentence structures and abstract vocabulary.

Frases relacionadas

Im Kern problematisch

Problematic at its core

Ein strukturelles Defizit

A structural deficit/flaw

Darin liegt die Schwierigkeit

That is where the difficulty lies

Es mangelt an der Umsetzung

It lacks implementation

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