insight / finding
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insight
An insight or understanding that one gains through reflection, experience, or investigation.
Nach langem Überlegen kam er zu der Erkenntnis, dass er seinen Job wechseln musste.
After thinking about it for a long time, he came to the insight that he had to change jobs.
'Die Erkenntnis' (insight/finding) is derived from the verb 'erkennen' (to recognize/realize). The prefix 'er-' often points to the successful result of an action. So an 'Erkenntnis' is the result of recognizing or realizing something—an insight gained.
Ich erkenne, dass ich einen Fehler gemacht habe.
I realize that I made a mistake.
A very common and useful expression is 'zu der Erkenntnis kommen' (to come to the realization) or 'zu einer Erkenntnis gelangen' (to arrive at an insight). It is often combined with a 'dass' (that) clause to describe the insight.
Sie kam zu der Erkenntnis, dass sie mehr Zeit für sich selbst braucht.
She came to the realization that she needs more time for herself.
In scientific contexts, the plural 'die Erkenntnisse' (the findings) is almost always used to describe research results or findings. The singular 'die Erkenntnis' (the insight) usually refers to a single, often personal insight.
Die Studie lieferte wichtige neue Erkenntnisse zur Behandlung der Krankheit.
The study provided important new findings on the treatment of the disease.
In scientific usage, 'Erkenntnisse' (findings) is often combined with verbs like 'gewinnen' (to gain), 'sammeln' (to collect), or 'veröffentlichen' (to publish). Typical adjectives are 'neue' (new), 'wissenschaftliche' (scientific), or 'jüngste' (latest/recent).
Forscher haben aus den Daten überraschende Erkenntnisse gewonnen.
Researchers gained surprising findings from the data.
This meaning is relevant almost exclusively in philosophy and academic texts. If you come across words like 'Erkenntnistheorie' (epistemology), 'Grenzen der Erkenntnis' (limits of knowledge), or 'menschliche Erkenntnis' (human knowledge/cognition), this philosophical sense is meant.
Die Frage nach den Möglichkeiten der Erkenntnis beschäftigt Philosophen seit Jahrhunderten.
The question of the possibilities of knowledge has occupied philosophers for centuries.
result
'das Ergebnis' and 'die Erkenntnis' can both come at the end of a process, for example after an investigation or experience. 'Ergebnis' means the concrete result: a number, a decision, a finding, or a consequence. 'Erkenntnis' is more about the new understanding or insight that you gain from it. In science and investigations, 'Erkenntnisse' can also mean collected findings. The words are confused because both can arise after thinking, checking, or working. Memory tip: Das Ergebnis says what comes out of something; die Erkenntnis says what you understand from it.
Nach dem Gespräch hatte Tom die Erkenntnis, dass er zu wenig Pausen macht.
After the conversation, Tom realized that he takes too few breaks.
Sie hat das Ergebnis der Blutuntersuchung am Montag bekommen.
She got the result of the blood test on Monday.