die Anschauung
view / opinion
A personal opinion, perspective, or conviction about a particular topic.
EXAMPLE
Meiner Anschauung nach ist Bildung der Schlüssel zum Erfolg.
In my view, education is the key to success.
die Anschauung
view / perception
die Anschauung, die Anschauungen
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
die Anschauung
perception / intuition
The immediate grasping or understanding of something through the senses or intuition, often in a philosophical or educational context.
EXAMPLE
Im Kunstunterricht geht es viel um die sinnliche Anschauung von Farben und Formen.
In art class, a lot is about the sensory perception of colors and shapes.
zur Anschauung
for illustration
Serving as a visual example or for illustration.
EXAMPLE
Der Lehrer brachte ein Modell des menschlichen Herzens zur Anschauung mit in den Unterricht.
The teacher brought a model of the human heart to class for illustration.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Anschauung, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Anschauungen |
| genitive | der Anschauung |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Anschauung | die Anschauungen |
| accusative | die Anschauung | die Anschauungen |
| dative | der Anschauung | den Anschauungen |
| genitive | der Anschauung | der Anschauungen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word 'Anschauung' (view/perception) is derived from the verb 'anschauen' (to look at). The ending '-ung' turns it into a noun. Literally, it describes the result of looking at something, which leads to a particular perspective or understanding.
EXAMPLE
Durch das Experiment bekamen die Schüler eine klare Anschauung der chemischen Reaktion.
Through the experiment, the students gained a clear understanding of the chemical reaction.
Expressing an opinion
To express a personal opinion, the fixed phrase 'Meiner Anschauung nach ...' (in my view ...) is often used. Here, 'Anschauung' is in the dative. The phrase usually comes at the beginning of the sentence, directly followed by the verb.
EXAMPLE
Meiner Anschauung nach sollten wir das Projekt anders angehen.
In my view, we should approach the project differently.
Register and style
In the meaning of 'Meinung' (opinion), 'Anschauung' (view) is used mainly in formal, written, or academic contexts. It often sounds more considered and well-founded.
EXAMPLE
Der Autor legt in seinem Buch seine politischen Anschauungen dar.
The author sets out his political views in his book.
Context clue
The philosophical or educational meaning can often be recognized from the context. Words like 'sinnlich' (sensory), 'ästhetisch' (aesthetic), 'intuitiv' (intuitive), or 'pädagogisch' (educational) are clear clues to this special usage.
EXAMPLE
Kants Philosophie der Anschauung ist ein komplexes Thema.
Kant's philosophy of intuition is a complex topic.
Fixed expression
The phrase 'zur Anschauung' (for illustration) is a fixed expression and means 'zur Veranschaulichung' (for illustration/visualization). It is often combined with verbs such as 'dienen' (to serve), 'bringen' (to bring), or 'mitbringen' (to bring along).
EXAMPLE
Diese Grafik dient zur Anschauung der Unternehmensstruktur.
This graphic serves to illustrate the company structure.
Compare with
Anschauung vs Ansicht
view / opinion
Both words refer to a personal opinion on a topic. Ansicht is especially suited to a specific opinion, while Anschauung emphasizes a personal conviction or more fundamental view of a topic. Choose „Ansicht“ for a single question and „Anschauung“ for a defining conviction.
Anschauung
Seine Anschauung über Bildung beeinflusst viele seiner Entscheidungen.
His views on education influence many of his decisions.
Ansicht
Meine Ansicht zu diesem Gesetz ist noch nicht endgültig.
I have not yet reached a final opinion on this law.
In real life
Loading video examples...