Das Prinzip der Sparsamkeit (Ockhams Rasiermesser)
The principle of parsimony (Occam's razor)
शाब्दिक अर्थ: The principle of the thriftiness (Ockham's razor)
Use this phrase to advocate for simplicity and logic in complex or speculative situations.
15 सेकंड में
- The simplest explanation is usually the right one.
- Shave away unnecessary assumptions to find the truth.
- A logical tool used in science, business, and life.
मतलब
This principle suggests that the simplest explanation is usually the correct one. It tells you to avoid making too many assumptions when solving a problem.
मुख्य उदाहरण
3 / 6In a technical meeting
Wir sollten das Prinzip der Sparsamkeit nutzen und die einfachste Lösung wählen.
We should use the principle of parsimony and choose the simplest solution.
Discussing a missing item with a friend
Ockhams Rasiermesser sagt: Du hast den Schlüssel verloren, er wurde nicht gestohlen.
Occam's razor says: You lost the key, it wasn't stolen.
Texting about a late reply
Er antwortet nicht? Ockhams Rasiermesser: Er schläft wahrscheinlich nur.
He's not replying? Occam's razor: He's probably just sleeping.
सांस्कृतिक पृष्ठभूमि
Originating from the medieval philosopher William of Ockham, this principle became a cornerstone of the scientific method. In Germany, it is highly respected in academic and engineering circles as it aligns with the cultural preference for directness and functional simplicity (Sachlichkeit).
Sound like a Pro
Use this phrase when a discussion gets too 'wild'. It immediately signals that you value logic and efficiency.
Not a Law
Remember that the simplest answer isn't ALWAYS right. Don't use it to be stubborn when evidence points to a complex truth.
15 सेकंड में
- The simplest explanation is usually the right one.
- Shave away unnecessary assumptions to find the truth.
- A logical tool used in science, business, and life.
What It Means
Imagine you hear hoofbeats outside your window. You could think it is a zebra. Or you could think it is a horse. Das Prinzip der Sparsamkeit says it is a horse. This is because a horse is a simpler explanation. In German, Sparsamkeit usually means being thrifty with money. Here, it means being thrifty with your logic. You want to use the fewest 'moving parts' in your theory. The 'razor' part is a metaphor. You use it to shave away unnecessary guesses. It leaves you with the bare, most likely truth. It is a mental tool for clarity.
How To Use It
You use this phrase to bring people back to reality. It is perfect for cutting through wild theories. You can say, 'Lass uns Ockhams Rasiermesser anwenden.' This sounds very sophisticated and logical. It suggests that you should stop overthinking. Use it when someone creates a complex story for a simple event. It helps focus a discussion on what is probable. It is like a verbal 'reset' button for logic. You are asking for the most direct path to the answer.
When To Use It
Use it during a brainstorming session at work. It is great when a project becomes too complicated. Use it with friends when discussing a mystery. It works well in academic writing or scientific debates. If you are debugging code, this is your best friend. The simplest bug is usually the culprit. It is also useful when someone is being paranoid. It reminds them that the world is usually quite simple.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for complex human emotions. People are rarely simple or 'thrifty' with feelings. Avoid it in creative writing or art. Art often thrives on complexity and hidden layers. Do not use it if you have zero evidence. Sometimes the 'simple' answer is just a lazy guess. It is a heuristic, not a universal law of nature. Also, do not use it to dismiss someone's genuine trauma. That would feel very cold and dismissive.
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from William of Ockham. He was a 14th-century friar and philosopher. Germans have a deep respect for this intellectual tradition. It fits the cultural value of Effizienz (efficiency). We like things that work without extra fluff. In German universities, this is a foundational concept. It represents the shift from mystical thinking to logical reasoning. It is part of the 'Enlightenment' DNA in German thought.
Common Variations
The most popular version is Ockhams Rasiermesser. You might also hear das Sparsamkeitsprinzip. Scientists sometimes use the Latin term Lex Parsimoniae. In casual talk, people might just say 'die einfachste Erklärung.' However, using the full name adds a touch of class. It shows you know your philosophical history.
इस्तेमाल की जानकारी
This is a high-register expression. It is most at home in professional, academic, or intellectual settings, but can be used ironically in casual speech.
Sound like a Pro
Use this phrase when a discussion gets too 'wild'. It immediately signals that you value logic and efficiency.
Not a Law
Remember that the simplest answer isn't ALWAYS right. Don't use it to be stubborn when evidence points to a complex truth.
The 'Sparsam' Nuance
Germans love being 'sparsam' (thrifty). Linking this to logic makes the concept very relatable and culturally 'sticky' for native speakers.
उदाहरण
6Wir sollten das Prinzip der Sparsamkeit nutzen und die einfachste Lösung wählen.
We should use the principle of parsimony and choose the simplest solution.
Used to steer a team away from over-engineering a product.
Ockhams Rasiermesser sagt: Du hast den Schlüssel verloren, er wurde nicht gestohlen.
Occam's razor says: You lost the key, it wasn't stolen.
A gentle way to point out the most likely scenario.
Er antwortet nicht? Ockhams Rasiermesser: Er schläft wahrscheinlich nur.
He's not replying? Occam's razor: He's probably just sleeping.
Using logic to calm down a worried friend over text.
Das klingt komplex, aber vergessen Sie nicht das Prinzip der Sparsamkeit.
That sounds complex, but don't forget the principle of parsimony.
A polite but firm way to challenge an unlikely theory.
Laut Ockhams Rasiermesser ist die Kaffeemaschine nicht besessen, sie ist nur kaputt.
According to Occam's razor, the coffee machine isn't possessed, it's just broken.
Using a high-level philosophical term for a mundane, silly problem.
Ich dachte, sie sei böse, aber das Prinzip der Sparsamkeit sagt, sie war nur müde.
I thought she was angry, but the principle of parsimony says she was just tired.
Applying logic to emotional interpretations to find peace.
खुद को परखो
Complete the sentence with the correct term for 'parsimony'.
In der Wissenschaft bevorzugen wir das Prinzip der ___.
The term 'Sparsamkeit' (thriftiness) is the standard German word used in this philosophical context.
Which tool is associated with Ockham in this expression?
Man nennt es auch Ockhams ___.
The 'Rasiermesser' (razor) symbolizes 'shaving off' unnecessary assumptions.
🎉 स्कोर: /2
विज़ुअल लर्निंग टूल्स
Formality of 'Das Prinzip der Sparsamkeit'
Used jokingly with friends about simple mistakes.
Ockhams Rasiermesser: Du hast es einfach vergessen!
Common in intellectual or logical discussions.
Lass uns hier Ockhams Rasiermesser anwenden.
Used in academic papers or high-level business strategy.
Das Prinzip der Sparsamkeit gebietet eine Reduktion der Variablen.
When to apply the Razor
Scientific Research
Choosing the simplest hypothesis.
Software Dev
Finding the most obvious bug first.
Daily Life
Assuming a late friend is stuck in traffic.
Business
Cutting unnecessary steps in a process.
अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल
10 सवालNo, while it started in philosophy and science, you can use it in any situation where people are overcomplicating things. For example, In der Küche gilt oft Ockhams Rasiermesser: Weniger Zutaten sind besser.
Yes, they are very similar! Ockhams Rasiermesser is the academic, sophisticated version of the KISS principle.
Not usually, but it can sound a bit condescending if used to dismiss someone's creative ideas. Use it as a logical suggestion, not a weapon.
The 'razor' or Rasiermesser refers to the act of 'shaving off' unnecessary assumptions to get to the core of the matter.
Yes, but it might come off as a bit 'nerdy' or intellectual. It's great for a smart joke among friends.
There isn't a direct opposite phrase, but you might talk about unnötige Komplexität (unnecessary complexity) or Verschwörungstheorien (conspiracy theories).
In German, it is usually spelled Ockham, though you might occasionally see the English Occam. Stick with Ockham for German contexts.
No, you can just say Ockhams Rasiermesser. Most educated speakers will know exactly what you mean.
Yes, it shows a high level of literacy and an understanding of philosophical concepts, which is expected at the C2 level.
Technically no, but it's a funny pun. Since Sparsamkeit means thriftiness, you could say it's the ultimate principle for your bank account!
संबंधित मुहावरे
Die Kirche im Dorf lassen
To not get carried away / keep things simple.
Auf den Punkt kommen
To get to the point.
Einfachheit ist die höchste Stufe der Vollendung
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.
Weniger ist mehr
Less is more.
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