hypothesis
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hypothesis
An unproven scientific assumption or supposition that serves as the basis for an investigation or experiment. It must be confirmed or disproven by facts.
Die Forscher stellten die Hypothese auf, dass das neue Medikament wirksamer ist als das alte.
The researchers put forward the hypothesis that the new medication is more effective than the old one.
In a scientific context, there are fixed verbs for dealing with hypotheses. You can 'eine Hypothese aufstellen' (put forward a hypothesis), 'überprüfen' (test/check), 'bestätigen' (confirm), or 'widerlegen' (disprove) a hypothesis.
Das Experiment soll unsere Hypothese bestätigen.
The experiment is meant to confirm our hypothesis.
A hypothesis is often formulated in a subordinate clause with 'dass' (that). This pattern follows directly after the noun: 'die Hypothese, dass ...' (the hypothesis that ...).
Die Wissenschaftlerin vertritt die Hypothese, dass Schlaf die Gedächtnisleistung verbessert.
The scientist supports the hypothesis that sleep improves memory performance.
'Hypothese' (hypothesis) is a technical term from science and research. In everyday language, people would more likely use words like 'Vermutung' (supposition/guess) or 'Annahme' (assumption), but in an academic context 'Hypothese' is precise and common.
Für seine Doktorarbeit muss er eine klare Hypothese formulieren.
For his doctoral thesis, he has to formulate a clear hypothesis.
fact
'die Tatsache' and 'die Hypothese' can both appear in explanations and investigations. The difference is clear: a fact has already been proven or accepted as true. A hypothesis is an assumption that still has to be tested. Especially in science, school, or research, they can be confused because a hypothesis may later be confirmed by facts. As long as it has not been proven, however, it remains a hypothesis. 'Tatsache' stands for a result or established knowledge, while 'Hypothese' stands for a possible starting point of an investigation.
Im Biologieunterricht stellt die Gruppe eine Hypothese auf und testet sie mit einem Experiment.
In biology class, the group puts forward a hypothesis and tests it with an experiment.
Die Tatsache, dass die Temperatur gestiegen ist, lässt sich leicht messen.
The fact that the temperature has risen can be measured easily.