thought experiment
das Gedankenspiel, die Gedankenspiele
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thought experiment
A consideration in which one imagines a possible situation and examines its consequences without it actually having to occur.
Das Gedankenspiel, was wir mit einem Lottogewinn machen würden, war sehr unterhaltsam.
The thought experiment about what we would do if we won the lottery was very entertaining.
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Gedankenspiele |
| genitive | des Gedankenspieles |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Gedankenspiel | die Gedankenspiele |
| accusative | das Gedankenspiel | die Gedankenspiele |
| dative | dem Gedankenspiel | den Gedankenspielen |
| genitive | des Gedankenspieles des Gedankenspiels | der Gedankenspiele |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
'Gedankenspiel' (thought experiment) is made up of 'Gedanke' (thought) and 'Spiel' (game). Here, 'Spiel' is used figuratively: thoughts are freely combined without having to act immediately.
Das Gedankenspiel half ihr, verschiedene Möglichkeiten in Ruhe zu betrachten.
The thought experiment helped her calmly consider various possibilities.
In this meaning, 'Gedankenspiel' (thought experiment) is often used in connection with a what-if question or the subjunctive II. Possible consequences are often played through step by step.
Das Gedankenspiel, wie die Stadt aussehen würde, wenn alle Autos verschwänden, führte zu einer langen Diskussion.
The thought experiment about what the city would look like if all cars disappeared led to a long discussion.
