01
das Argument
argument
A reason or justification put forward to support an opinion or prove a claim.
example
Sein stärkstes Argument war, dass das Projekt zu teuer sei.
His strongest argument was that the project was too expensive.
das Argument
argument
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Meanings
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Usage tips
False friend
Careful: the German 'Argument' (argument) is only the factual reason in a discussion. An emotional argument or dispute is 'der Streit' in German. When two people in English 'have an argument', they are arguing; in German, they are only exchanging viewpoints.
EXAMPLE
In der Debatte brachte jeder Politiker seine eigenen Argumente vor.
In the debate, each politician put forward their own arguments.
Arguments for and against
To express which position an argument supports, the prepositions 'für' (for) and 'gegen' (against) are used. Both prepositions are followed by the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Es gibt viele Argumente für diese Entscheidung.
There are many arguments for this decision.
Typical verbs
In a discussion, you can 'vorbringen' (put forward), 'sammeln' (collect), 'austauschen' (exchange), or 'entkräften' (refute) arguments. If you have no reasons left, you 'run out' of arguments: 'die Argumente gehen einem aus'.
EXAMPLE
Die Opposition versuchte, die Argumente der Regierung zu entkräften.
The opposition tried to refute the government's arguments.
Technical language
In computer science and mathematics, 'Argument' (argument) has a special, technical meaning. You can recognize this use when the context is about functions, programs, or mathematical formulas.
EXAMPLE
Die Funktion benötigt drei Argumente, um korrekt zu laufen.
The function needs three arguments to run correctly.
Compare with
Argument vs Grund
reason / ground
'der Grund' and 'das Argument' can both be a justification for something. 'der Grund' is broader: it can be a cause, an occasion, or a personal explanation. 'das Argument' is used mainly when someone wants to support an opinion or convince others. That is why 'Argument' fits especially well in discussions, texts, or conversations about pros and cons. The words can be confused because an argument is often also a reason. But not every reason is an argument: rain is a reason to stay at home, but normally not an argument in a discussion.
Argument
In der Diskussion brachte er ein starkes Argument für den neuen Plan.
In the discussion, he gave a strong argument for the new plan.
Grund
Mina hat den wahren Grund für ihre Absage erst später erklärt.
Mina only explained the real reason for her cancellation later.
In real life
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