01
die Idee
idea
A thought, inspiration, or notion that you have in order to solve a problem or create something.
example
Ich habe eine gute Idee, was wir am Wochenende machen könnten.
I have a good idea for what we could do on the weekend.
die Idee
idea
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Sentence structure with infinitive
When an idea describes an action, it is often connected with an infinitive construction with 'zu' (to). The structure is 'die Idee haben, ... zu + infinitive' (to have the idea to ...).
EXAMPLE
Sie hatte die Idee, eine Weltreise zu machen.
She had the idea to take a trip around the world.
Typical collocations
Common phrases are 'auf eine Idee kommen' (to come up with an idea), 'eine Idee haben' (to have an idea), and 'eine Idee umsetzen' (to implement an idea).
EXAMPLE
Wie bist du auf diese geniale Idee gekommen?
How did you come up with this brilliant idea?
The concept behind it
To describe the basic principle or central concept of something, the phrase 'die Idee hinter' + dative is often used.
EXAMPLE
Die Idee hinter der App ist, Menschen mit gleichen Interessen zu verbinden.
The idea behind the app is to connect people with shared interests.
Context clue: small amount
When 'Idee' means a small amount, it almost always appears in the form 'eine Idee' followed by a comparative, e.g. 'mehr' (more), 'weniger' (less), 'lauter' (louder). The context is often adjusting something.
EXAMPLE
Kannst du die Musik bitte eine Idee leiser machen?
Could you please make the music a tiny bit quieter?
Colloquial use
The use of 'eine Idee' for 'ein kleines bisschen' (a tiny bit) is colloquial. In formal or written contexts, this meaning is usually avoided.
EXAMPLE
Das Bild hängt eine Idee zu weit links.
The picture is hanging a tiny bit too far to the left.
Compare with
Idee vs Gedanke
thought
'die Idee' and 'der Gedanke' are closely related because both can be something in the mind. 'Idee' is often used when an inspiration leads to a solution, a project, or a design. 'Gedanke' is more general and can simply be something you think about. A thought does not yet have to be a good or concrete idea. The words can be confused because an idea is also a thought. When it is about a suggestion or a concept, 'Idee' sounds more natural. When it is about thinking, worries, or a single consideration, 'Gedanke' fits better.
Idee
Luisa hat eine gute Idee für das Sommerfest.
Luisa has a good idea for the summer party.
Gedanke
Der Gedanke an die Prüfung macht Mehmet nervös.
The thought of the exam makes Mehmet nervous.
In real life
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