der Irrglaube
misconception
A false belief or idea that someone considers correct.
EXAMPLE
Der Irrglaube, dass man im Winter keine Sonnencreme braucht, ist weit verbreitet.
The misconception that you do not need sunscreen in winter is widespread.
der Irrglaube
misconception
der Irrglaube, die Irrglauben
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Meanings
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Irrglaube, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Irrglauben |
| genitive | des Irrglaubens |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Irrglaube | die Irrglauben |
| accusative | den Irrglauben | die Irrglauben |
| dative | dem Irrglauben | den Irrglauben |
| genitive | des Irrglaubens | der Irrglauben |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Word formation
'Irrglaube' is made up of 'irr' (wrong / misguided) and 'Glaube' (belief). 'Irr' indicates that the idea is based on an error or leads in the wrong direction.
EXAMPLE
Der Irrglaube an eine einfache Lösung hat die Diskussion lange erschwert.
The misconception that there is a simple solution made the discussion difficult for a long time.
Sentence pattern
A subordinate clause with 'dass' (that) very often follows 'der Irrglaube' (the misconception). This subordinate clause explains exactly what the false belief refers to.
EXAMPLE
Der Irrglaube, dass Kaffee den Körper austrocknet, hält sich noch immer.
The misconception that coffee dehydrates the body still persists.
Typical collocations
Typical collocations are 'einem Irrglauben unterliegen' (to be subject to a misconception), 'einen Irrglauben widerlegen' (to disprove a misconception), and 'ein verbreiteter Irrglaube' (a widespread misconception). They are especially common in explanatory and factual texts.
EXAMPLE
Neue Forschungsergebnisse widerlegen den Irrglauben, dass Lesen bei schlechtem Licht die Augen dauerhaft schädigt.
New research findings disprove the misconception that reading in poor light permanently damages the eyes.
In real life
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