Theorien entwickeln
To develop theories
Use it when you are trying to solve a mystery or explain a complex situation logically.
15초 만에
- Constructing logical explanations for events or behaviors.
- Used in both professional settings and casual gossip.
- Implies a thoughtful, analytical approach to a problem.
뜻
This phrase is about brainstorming or constructing logical explanations for why something is happening. It can be used for serious scientific research or just guessing why your neighbor bought a third lawnmower.
주요 예문
3 / 6In a business meeting
Wir müssen neue Theorien entwickeln, warum die Kunden abwandern.
We need to develop new theories as to why customers are leaving.
Discussing a TV show with a friend
Ich entwickle gerade wilde Theorien über das Ende der Serie!
I'm currently developing wild theories about the end of the series!
Texting about a mysterious neighbor
Lass uns Theorien entwickeln, was er in seiner Garage versteckt.
Let's develop theories about what he's hiding in his garage.
문화적 배경
Germany has a long history of philosophical and scientific rigor. This phrase reflects the 'Dichter und Denker' identity, where intellectual pursuit is highly valued. Even in casual conversation, using 'academic' verbs like 'entwickeln' is common and not seen as pretentious.
The 'Spinnen' Alternative
If you want to sound more casual, use 'Theorien spinnen' (spinning theories). It implies your ideas are a bit crazy or imaginative.
Don't confuse with 'Raten'
Developing a theory is a process. If you are just making a 1-second guess, use 'raten' instead.
15초 만에
- Constructing logical explanations for events or behaviors.
- Used in both professional settings and casual gossip.
- Implies a thoughtful, analytical approach to a problem.
What It Means
Theorien entwickeln is the process of building a logical framework to explain a situation. You aren't just making a wild guess. You are connecting dots to see a bigger picture. It sounds intellectual, but it’s very common in daily life. Think of it as 'connecting the dots' or 'brainstorming explanations.'
How To Use It
You use this like any standard verb-object pair. The verb entwickeln changes based on the person. For example, Ich entwickle or Wir entwickeln. It usually follows the thing you are curious about. You might say you are developing theories *about* something using the preposition über. It makes you sound thoughtful and analytical.
When To Use It
Use it in a meeting when sales are down. Use it with friends when a celebrity couple breaks up. It’s perfect for true crime fans discussing a mystery. If you are trying to solve a puzzle, you are Theorien entwickeln. It adds a layer of 'detective work' to your conversation.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for simple facts. If you missed the bus because you woke up late, that’s not a theory. It’s just a mistake. Avoid it for things that are already proven. Also, don't use it if you are just lying. A theory implies you are seeking the truth, not making excuses.
Cultural Background
Germany is often called the 'Land der Dichter und Denker' (Land of Poets and Thinkers). There is a cultural love for deep analysis and 'Systematik.' Developing a theory isn't seen as 'overthinking' here. It’s seen as being thorough. Germans appreciate a well-constructed argument, even in casual settings.
Common Variations
You might hear Hypothesen aufstellen for something more scientific. If it’s just gossip, people might say Spekulationen anstellen. However, Theorien entwickeln is the most versatile. It bridges the gap between the lab and the living room perfectly.
사용 참고사항
This phrase sits comfortably in the 'neutral' register. It is sophisticated enough for a thesis defense but common enough for a chat over coffee. Just remember that 'entwickeln' implies a bit of effort—you are 'building' the theory, not just having a random thought.
The 'Spinnen' Alternative
If you want to sound more casual, use 'Theorien spinnen' (spinning theories). It implies your ideas are a bit crazy or imaginative.
Don't confuse with 'Raten'
Developing a theory is a process. If you are just making a 1-second guess, use 'raten' instead.
The German Love for Logic
Germans love a 'roter Faden' (red thread/logical consistency). When you 'entwickeln' a theory, try to show how the pieces fit together!
예시
6Wir müssen neue Theorien entwickeln, warum die Kunden abwandern.
We need to develop new theories as to why customers are leaving.
Here it sounds professional and proactive.
Ich entwickle gerade wilde Theorien über das Ende der Serie!
I'm currently developing wild theories about the end of the series!
Using 'wilde' makes it feel more casual and enthusiastic.
Lass uns Theorien entwickeln, was er in seiner Garage versteckt.
Let's develop theories about what he's hiding in his garage.
This is a fun, social way to use the phrase.
Mein Hund entwickelt Theorien, wie er unbemerkt an den Schinken kommt.
My dog is developing theories on how to get to the ham unnoticed.
Personifying a pet with 'intellectual' verbs is a common German joke.
Ich verbringe zu viel Zeit damit, Theorien über sein Schweigen zu entwickeln.
I spend too much time developing theories about his silence.
Shows the phrase can describe overthinking in personal relationships.
In dieser Arbeit werden wir neue Theorien zur Stadtplanung entwickeln.
In this paper, we will develop new theories on urban planning.
This is the classic, formal academic usage.
셀프 테스트
Choose the correct form of the verb to complete the sentence.
Wir ___ gemeinsam Theorien über das Verschwinden der Kekse.
Since the subject is 'Wir' (we), the verb must be in the infinitive/plural form 'entwickeln'.
Which noun fits best in this context?
Der Detektiv muss neue ___ entwickeln, um den Fall zu lösen.
A detective develops 'theories' (Theorien) to solve a case, not homework or recipes.
🎉 점수: /2
시각 학습 자료
Formality of 'Theorien entwickeln'
Gossip with friends about a TV show.
Wilde Theorien spinnen.
Standard daily use for problem-solving.
Theorien entwickeln.
Scientific research or high-level business.
Wissenschaftliche Theorien erarbeiten.
Where to use 'Theorien entwickeln'
Office Meeting
Explaining market shifts.
Coffee with Friends
Speculating on celebrity drama.
True Crime Podcast
Solving a cold case.
University
Writing a thesis.
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문Not at all! While it sounds academic, Germans use it for everything from office problems to wondering why a friend hasn't texted back. It's a very versatile phrase.
Yes, it's perfectly fine. For example: Ich entwickle gerade eine Theorie, warum du so spät bist... (I'm developing a theory as to why you're so late...).
In German, Theorie is more general. Hypothese is strictly for scientific or highly formal contexts where you intend to prove or disprove a specific point.
Always use entwickeln. Theorien machen sounds like a direct translation from English and feels unnatural to a native German speaker.
You can say Ich habe eine Theorie, but Ich habe eine Vermutung (I have a hunch) is often more common if the idea isn't fully 'developed' yet.
Usually no. It sounds analytical. However, if you use it for something very trivial, it might come across as slightly sarcastic or humorous.
Use über (about) or zu (regarding). For example: Theorien über den Klimawandel or Theorien zur Problemlösung.
No, entwickeln is not separable. The prefix ent- stays attached to the verb in all conjugations, like ich entwickle.
Yes! It's a fun way to make gossip sound more 'official.' Wir entwickeln Theorien über die neue Nachbarin.
A common synonym is Mutmaßungen anstellen (to make conjectures), though this is slightly more formal and less common in casual speech.
관련 표현
Hypothesen aufstellen
To pose hypotheses (more scientific)
Spekulationen anstellen
To engage in speculation
Sich etwas zusammenreimen
To piece something together / make sense of something
Eine Vermutung äußern
To express a suspicion or hunch
댓글 (0)
로그인하여 댓글 달기무료로 언어 학습 시작하기
무료로 학습 시작