Die postmoderne Sichtweise hinterfragt die Annahme

You usually follow this phrase with a specific belief. You can say ...hinterfragt die Annahme, dass... followed by a full sentence. For example, ...dass Fortschritt immer gut ist (that progress is always good). You can also use it with a noun. ...hinterfragt die Annahme von Objektivität (questions the assumption of objectivity). It sounds very intellectual. It makes you sound like you have spent years reading philosophy in a dimly lit library. Just remember to keep your back straight and look thoughtful when saying it.

This is your go-to for academic settings. Use it in a university seminar or a formal essay. It is also perfect for high-brow cultural discussions. Imagine you are at an art gallery opening in Berlin. You see a pile of trash in the corner that is actually art. This is the perfect time to drop this phrase. It also works in serious political debates. Use it when you want to sound sophisticated and critical. It shows you have reached the C2 level of nuance.

Do not use this at a fast-food drive-thru. If you say this to the person handing you fries, they will think you are joking or very strange. It is too heavy for casual small talk. Avoid it when talking about simple facts. If someone says 'It is raining,' don't reply with 'The postmodern view questions that assumption.' You will lose friends very quickly. It is a tool for deep analysis, not for deciding where to eat lunch.

Germany has a deep love for philosophy and 'Bildung' (self-cultivation). Intellectual discourse is a big part of the German identity. Postmodernism specifically became huge in the late 20th century. It influenced German sociology, literature, and art deeply. Using phrases like this connects you to the tradition of thinkers like Habermas or Adorno. It signals that you are part of the 'Bildungsbürgertum'—the educated middle class. It’s a linguistic badge of honor in intellectual circles.

You might hear Diese Perspektive stellt die Annahme infrage. This means roughly the same thing but is slightly less 'academic.' Another variation is Kritische Stimmen hinterfragen die Annahme. This attributes the doubt to 'critical voices.' If you want to be even more specific, you could say Die dekonstruktivistische Sichtweise.... But stick to the original for maximum impact and versatility. It’s the Swiss Army knife of intellectual skepticism.