Die immanente Kritik dieser Position offenbart
The immanent critique of this position reveals
Literally: The immanent critique of this position reveals
Use this to dismantle an argument using its own internal logic during high-level intellectual discussions.
In 15 Seconds
- Internal logic check for arguments.
- Used in high-level academic debates.
- Shows an argument contradicts itself.
Meaning
This phrase describes analyzing an argument using its own rules to show it doesn't work. It is like proving a game is broken by playing it exactly as the instructions say.
Key Examples
3 of 6Writing a university essay
Die immanente Kritik dieser Position offenbart, dass die Grundannahmen in sich widersprüchlich sind.
The immanent critique of this position reveals that the basic assumptions are inherently contradictory.
In a high-level strategy meeting
Die immanente Kritik dieser Marktstrategie offenbart erhebliche Risiken für unser Budget.
The immanent critique of this market strategy reveals significant risks for our budget.
Discussing a movie's plot holes with a friend
Die immanente Kritik deiner Filmtheorie offenbart, dass der Zeitreisende gar nicht existieren kann!
The immanent critique of your movie theory reveals that the time traveler can't even exist!
Cultural Background
This phrase is deeply rooted in the German philosophical tradition of 'Kritische Theorie' and the Frankfurt School. It reflects a cultural value placed on deep, systemic analysis rather than superficial disagreement. In German academia, mastering 'immanente Kritik' is considered a sign of true intellectual maturity.
The 'Inside Job' Trick
Remember that 'immanent' means 'remaining within'. You aren't bringing outside tools; you're using the argument's own hammer to break its own glass.
Don't Overuse It
Using this phrase more than once in a short conversation makes you sound like a parody of a German professor. Use it as your 'secret weapon'.
In 15 Seconds
- Internal logic check for arguments.
- Used in high-level academic debates.
- Shows an argument contradicts itself.
What It Means
This phrase is a heavy hitter from the world of philosophy. It means you are looking at an argument very closely. You are not judging it by your own external rules. Instead, you look at the argument's own internal rules. You find a contradiction inside the logic itself. It is like finding a bug in a computer program. The program follows its own code, but the code leads to a crash. That is an immanent critique. It is a very powerful way to debate. You show that the other person's logic fails on its own terms.
How To Use It
You start your sentence with this phrase to set the stage. It acts as a sophisticated setup for your main point. You follow it with the specific flaw you have discovered. For example, you might point out a logical gap. Use it when you have analyzed a theory or plan deeply. It sounds very precise and incredibly sharp. It tells people you are a deep thinker. You aren't just giving a random opinion. You are performing a logical autopsy on their idea.
When To Use It
This is a C2 level expression for serious intellectual work. Use it in a university seminar or a master's thesis. It is perfect for high-level journalism or academic papers. If you are writing an essay for a major newspaper, use it. In a serious political debate, it works wonders. It shows you understand the 'Frankfurt School' style of thinking. It is a badge of high education in Germany. Use it when the stakes of the argument are high.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this at the dinner table with family. Your grandma might think you are being far too academic. Avoid it during a first date or casual drinks. It makes you sound like a walking textbook. Do not use it for simple daily mistakes. If your friend forgets their keys, don't use this phrase. It is too heavy for daily life. It is like using a laser to cut toast. Stick to simpler words for your casual chats.
Cultural Background
Germany is famously the land of 'Dichter und Denker' (poets and thinkers). Logic and structure are very important in German intellectual history. This phrase comes from a specific philosophical tradition. Thinkers like Hegel, Marx, and Adorno loved this method. It is a way to critique society or ideas from within. You look at what a system promises. Then you show where it fails those promises. It is a very German way of being critical. It is intellectual, rigorous, and quite intense.
Common Variations
You can change the verb at the end of the phrase. Instead of offenbart, you can try zeigt or verdeutlicht. Sometimes people say eine immanente Kritik üben. This means 'to practice' or 'to exercise' an immanent critique. You can also talk about an immanente Analyse. This is a bit softer but still very formal. If you want to be extremely fancy, you could say die immanente Dialektik. But be careful, as that is even more complex!
Usage Notes
This phrase is strictly high-register. It requires a solid understanding of the topic being discussed, as it promises a deep logical analysis.
The 'Inside Job' Trick
Remember that 'immanent' means 'remaining within'. You aren't bringing outside tools; you're using the argument's own hammer to break its own glass.
Don't Overuse It
Using this phrase more than once in a short conversation makes you sound like a parody of a German professor. Use it as your 'secret weapon'.
The Adorno Connection
The philosopher Theodor W. Adorno is the king of this phrase. If you use it, people will assume you are very well-read in 20th-century German thought.
Examples
6Die immanente Kritik dieser Position offenbart, dass die Grundannahmen in sich widersprüchlich sind.
The immanent critique of this position reveals that the basic assumptions are inherently contradictory.
This is the classic academic use of the phrase.
Die immanente Kritik dieser Marktstrategie offenbart erhebliche Risiken für unser Budget.
The immanent critique of this market strategy reveals significant risks for our budget.
Using academic rigor to analyze a business plan.
Die immanente Kritik deiner Filmtheorie offenbart, dass der Zeitreisende gar nicht existieren kann!
The immanent critique of your movie theory reveals that the time traveler can't even exist!
Using a very formal phrase for a fun, nerdy topic.
Guter Entwurf, aber die immanente Kritik deiner Argumentation offenbart noch ein paar Lücken.
Good draft, but the immanent critique of your argumentation still reveals a few gaps.
A slightly more relaxed but still intellectual context.
Die immanente Kritik Ihrer Forderungen offenbart deren mangelnde Umsetzbarkeit.
The immanent critique of your demands reveals their lack of feasibility.
A sharp, intellectual way to shut down an opponent.
Die immanente Kritik dieses Plans offenbart einfach nur pures Chaos!
The immanent critique of this plan reveals nothing but pure chaos!
Using the formal structure to express strong emotion.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete this academic sentence.
Die immanente Kritik dieser ___ offenbart logische Fehler.
In this context, 'Position' refers to an intellectual standpoint or argument.
Which verb fits best in a formal context?
Die immanente Kritik der Theorie ___ neue Perspektiven.
'Offenbart' (reveals) is the standard high-register verb used with this expression.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Level of 'Die immanente Kritik...'
Talking about lunch
Das schmeckt nicht.
Daily work talk
Das Argument passt nicht.
Business meeting
Ihre Analyse ist lückenhaft.
Academic Philosophy
Die immanente Kritik dieser Position offenbart...
Where to use 'Die immanente Kritik...'
University Seminar
Critiquing a philosopher's text.
Political Essay
Analyzing a party platform.
Legal Argument
Finding flaws in a law's logic.
Strategy Session
Testing a corporate vision.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt means 'internal' or 'inherent'. In this phrase, it refers to looking at the logic inside the argument itself rather than applying external standards.
No, it is very rare in daily life. You will mostly hear it in universities, high-end talk shows, or read it in intellectual newspapers like Die Zeit.
Not directly. You use it to criticize a Position (standpoint), Argumentation (argument), or Theorie (theory), not the person themselves.
A normative critique says 'Your idea is bad because my values are different.' An immanent critique says 'Your idea is bad because it contradicts itself.'
It can. Because it is so formal and intellectual, using it in the wrong setting might make you seem like you are showing off your education.
Yes, you can use zeigt (shows), verdeutlicht (clarifies), or belegt (proves). Offenbart is the most dramatic and formal choice.
Yes! If you are taking a C2 German exam or writing a university paper, using this phrase correctly will impress the examiners.
It is pronounced im-ma-NEN-te. The stress is on the third syllable.
Only if the email is about a very complex strategy and the culture of your company is quite formal and intellectual.
There isn't a direct opposite, but a oberflächliche Betrachtung (superficial observation) would be the intellectual antithesis.
Related Phrases
Widersprüchlichkeit aufzeigen
In sich nicht schlüssig
Den Teufel im Detail finden
Ad absurdum führen
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