C2 Expression Très formel 3 min de lecture

Die konstruktivistische Epistemologie geht davon aus

Constructivist epistemology assumes

Littéralement: The constructivist epistemology goes from that out

Use this phrase to introduce the idea that reality is subjective in highly formal, academic contexts.

En 15 secondes

  • A high-level academic way to say reality is a mental construction.
  • Used primarily in university settings, philosophy, or deep intellectual debates.
  • Combines 'Epistemologie' (theory of knowledge) with 'davon ausgehen' (to assume).

Signification

This phrase is used to introduce the philosophical idea that knowledge is not a passive reflection of reality, but something we actively build in our minds based on our experiences.

Exemples clés

3 sur 6
1

Writing a university essay

Die konstruktivistische Epistemologie geht davon aus, dass Wissen ein aktiver Prozess ist.

Constructivist epistemology assumes that knowledge is an active process.

💼
2

Discussing a misunderstanding with a very intellectual friend

Naja, die konstruktivistische Epistemologie geht davon aus, dass wir beide recht haben könnten.

Well, constructivist epistemology assumes that we both could be right.

🤝
3

A formal debate about artificial intelligence

Die konstruktivistische Epistemologie geht davon aus, dass Maschinen keine echte Erfahrung haben.

Constructivist epistemology assumes that machines have no real experience.

👔
🌍

Contexte culturel

The phrase is rooted in the German tradition of 'Erkenntnistheorie' (theory of knowledge). It became particularly popular in the 20th century through the works of German-speaking thinkers who influenced education, psychology, and cybernetics. In Germany, being able to use such precise academic terminology is often seen as a sign of a high-quality education (Abitur or University level).

💡

Master the 'davon'

The 'davon' in 'davon ausgehen' points to the 'dass' clause that follows. It's a grammatical placeholder that makes your German sound very structured and professional.

⚠️

Don't over-intellectualize

Using this phrase in a casual bar setting might make people think you're trying too hard to look smart. Use it sparingly!

En 15 secondes

  • A high-level academic way to say reality is a mental construction.
  • Used primarily in university settings, philosophy, or deep intellectual debates.
  • Combines 'Epistemologie' (theory of knowledge) with 'davon ausgehen' (to assume).

What It Means

This phrase is a heavy hitter in the world of German philosophy and academia. It basically says that we don't just 'find' truth lying around on the ground. Instead, our brains are like busy architects. We build our own version of reality based on what we see, feel, and learn. When you use this phrase, you are saying that 'truth' is subjective. It is a construction of the observer. It is deep, it is complex, and it is very German.

How To Use It

You use this phrase to start a very serious sentence. It is almost always followed by the word dass (that). For example: Die konstruktivistische Epistemologie geht davon aus, dass wir die Welt nicht entdecken, sondern erfinden. You are setting the stage for a big idea. It acts as a formal 'intro' to a specific worldview. Think of it as the academic version of saying 'Look, the way I see it is...'

When To Use It

Save this one for when you want to impress. It belongs in a university seminar or a deep late-night talk about the meaning of life. If you are writing a master's thesis in sociology or psychology, this is your best friend. Use it when discussing why two people can see the same event but remember it totally differently. It is perfect for debates where you want to sound like a sophisticated intellectual.

When NOT To Use It

Do not use this at the supermarket. If you tell the cashier Die konstruktivistische Epistemologie geht davon aus, dass dieser Apfel teuer ist, they will think you have lost your mind. Avoid it in casual texts or when flirting—unless you are flirting with a philosophy professor. It is too 'heavy' for small talk. It can make you sound arrogant if used in the wrong setting. Keep it for the library, not the beer garden.

Cultural Background

Germany is known as the 'Land der Dichter und Denker' (Land of Poets and Thinkers). Intellectualism is highly respected here. Complex words like Epistemologie (epistemology) are common in German media and education. This specific phrase draws from thinkers like Immanuel Kant and Jean Piaget. It reflects the German love for 'Bildung'—the lifelong process of self-cultivation and deep learning. It’s part of a culture that loves to analyze the 'why' behind the 'what'.

Common Variations

You can swap out the subject to talk about other theories. You might say Der radikale Konstruktivismus geht davon aus... or Die moderne Wissenschaft geht davon aus.... The core verb phrase davon ausgehen is very common in daily life. People say Ich gehe davon aus to mean 'I assume' or 'I’m counting on it'. But adding Epistemologie turns the dial from 1 to 10 on the formality scale.

Notes d'usage

This is a peak academic expression. Use it when you are operating in the 'ivory tower' of language. It requires a subordinate clause (dass-Satz) to complete the thought.

💡

Master the 'davon'

The 'davon' in 'davon ausgehen' points to the 'dass' clause that follows. It's a grammatical placeholder that makes your German sound very structured and professional.

⚠️

Don't over-intellectualize

Using this phrase in a casual bar setting might make people think you're trying too hard to look smart. Use it sparingly!

💬

The 'Thinking' Culture

Germans love the word 'Erkenntnistheorie'. If you use 'Epistemologie' instead, you are using the Greek-rooted international term, which sounds even more academic and 'elite'.

Exemples

6
#1 Writing a university essay
💼

Die konstruktivistische Epistemologie geht davon aus, dass Wissen ein aktiver Prozess ist.

Constructivist epistemology assumes that knowledge is an active process.

This is the classic, textbook use of the phrase.

#2 Discussing a misunderstanding with a very intellectual friend
🤝

Naja, die konstruktivistische Epistemologie geht davon aus, dass wir beide recht haben könnten.

Well, constructivist epistemology assumes that we both could be right.

Using the phrase to explain why two people see things differently.

#3 A formal debate about artificial intelligence
👔

Die konstruktivistische Epistemologie geht davon aus, dass Maschinen keine echte Erfahrung haben.

Constructivist epistemology assumes that machines have no real experience.

Setting a theoretical boundary in a high-level discussion.

#4 Joking about a messy apartment
😄

Die konstruktivistische Epistemologie geht davon aus, dass dieses Chaos nur in deinem Kopf existiert.

Constructivist epistemology assumes that this chaos only exists in your head.

Using a very high-level phrase for a silly situation for comedic effect.

#5 Explaining a psychological theory to a colleague
💼

Die konstruktivistische Epistemologie geht davon aus, dass Patienten ihre eigene Realität heilen können.

Constructivist epistemology assumes that patients can heal their own reality.

Applying the philosophy to a clinical or professional context.

#6 Reflecting on personal growth in a journal
💭

Die konstruktivistische Epistemologie geht davon aus, dass ich meine Welt jeden Tag neu baue.

Constructivist epistemology assumes that I rebuild my world every day.

A poetic, internal use of the philosophical concept.

Teste-toi

Complete the academic sentence with the correct verb phrase.

Die konstruktivistische Epistemologie ___ ___ ___, dass Objektivität unmöglich ist.

✓ Correct ! ✗ Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : geht davon aus

The standard expression to describe what a theory 'assumes' or 'posits' is 'davon ausgehen'.

Choose the correct noun to complete the philosophical term.

Die konstruktivistische ___ untersucht, wie wir die Welt wahrnehmen.

✓ Correct ! ✗ Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Epistemologie

Epistemologie is the branch of philosophy (theory of knowledge) that fits with constructivism in this context.

🎉 Score : /2

Aides visuelles

Formality Level of 'Die konstruktivistische Epistemologie geht davon aus'

Casual

Talking to friends about dinner.

Ich glaube...

Neutral

Explaining a simple idea at work.

Ich gehe davon aus...

Formal

A business presentation or news report.

Die Theorie besagt...

Very Formal

Academic papers or philosophical debates.

Die konstruktivistische Epistemologie geht davon aus...

Where to use this expression

Constructivist Epistemology
🎓

University Lecture

Analyzing learning theories.

📚

Philosophy Book

Defining the nature of truth.

🎙️

Intellectual Podcast

Discussing subjective reality.

🧠

Psychology Workshop

Understanding patient perspectives.

Questions fréquentes

12 questions

It is the theory of knowledge. It asks questions like 'How do we know what we know?' and 'What is truth?' In German, it is often called Erkenntnistheorie.

Yes! You can say Ich gehe davon aus, dass es morgen regnet (I assume it will rain tomorrow). It's very common.

Mostly, but it's also used in sociology, pedagogy, and psychology. Anywhere that discusses how humans process information.

Break it into five beats: E-pis-te-mo-lo-gie. The stress is on the last syllable: gie (pronounced like 'gee' in 'geese').

Usually 'Objectivism' or 'Realism.' You could say Der Realismus geht davon aus, dass die Welt unabhängig von uns existiert.

In a formal context, yes. Glaubt (believes) sounds personal, while geht davon aus sounds like a logical premise.

Only if you are discussing high-level strategy or abstract concepts. Otherwise, it's a bit too much.

German uses 'da-compounds' to link to a following clause. Davon prepares the listener for the dass (that) part of the sentence.

In high-end newspapers like 'Die Zeit' or 'FAZ', you will definitely see it in the culture or science sections.

Yes, it follows adjective declension. Because Epistemologie is feminine and has the article die, the ending is -e.

Absolutely. It requires a high level of vocabulary and an understanding of complex sentence structures.

You could, but it sounds less professional. Geht davon aus is the standard academic way to express an assumption.

Expressions liées

Subjektive Wahrnehmung (Subjective perception)

Die Theorie besagt (The theory states)

In der Annahme, dass (On the assumption that)

Erkenntnistheoretischer Ansatz (Epistemological approach)

Wirklichkeitskonstruktion (Construction of reality)

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