expression of opinion
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expression of opinion
The expression or voicing of a personal view, opinion, or standpoint.
Seine kritische Meinungsäußerung führte zu einer lebhaften Diskussion.
His critical expression of opinion led to a lively discussion.
The word is made up of 'Meinung' (opinion) and 'Äußerung' (expression/utterance, from the verb 'äußern' (to express)). The 's' in between is a linking s that connects the two parts. It literally means the expression of an opinion.
Jede Meinungsäußerung sollte respektiert werden, auch wenn man nicht zustimmt.
Every expression of opinion should be respected, even if you don't agree.
The meaning often depends on the article. 'Eine Meinungsäußerung' (an expression of opinion) refers to a single, concrete act. 'Die Meinungsäußerung' (the expression of opinion), often with 'freie' (free), refers to the general principle or right.
Seine laute Meinungsäußerung im Kino hat alle gestört.
His loud expression of opinion in the movie theater disturbed everyone.
When referring to a concrete act, the word is often combined with adjectives such as 'persönliche' (personal), 'öffentliche' (public), 'kritische' (critical), or 'spontane' (spontaneous) Meinungsäußerung.
Das war nur meine persönliche Meinungsäußerung, keine offizielle Stellungnahme.
That was only my personal expression of opinion, not an official statement.
In the meaning of the basic right, the word is almost always used in the fixed combination 'die freie Meinungsäußerung' (free expression). It is a central term in political and legal discussions.
Journalisten berufen sich oft auf das Recht der freien Meinungsäußerung.
Journalists often invoke the right to free expression.
opinion
'die Meinung' and 'die Meinungsäußerung' are closely connected, but they are not the same thing. The 'Meinung' is what someone thinks or believes. The 'Meinungsäußerung' is the moment or action in which someone says, writes, or publishes that opinion. So you can have an opinion without expressing it. 'Meinungsäußerung' can also appear in a legal or political context when it is about the right to express one's opinion freely. Learners easily confuse the words because both contain the word 'Meinung'. Memory aid: the Meinung is the content; the Meinungsäußerung is the speaking out or publishing.
In der Schule sprechen wir morgen über freie Meinungsäußerung.
Tomorrow at school, we are talking about free expression.
Mein Kollege fragt mich aus Interesse nach meiner Meinung zum neuen Kurs.
My colleague asks me out of interest for my opinion on the new course.