postulieren
to demand
To forcefully demand or call for something.
EXAMPLE
Die Opposition postulierte den sofortigen Rücktritt des Ministers.
The opposition demanded the minister's immediate resignation.
postulieren
to postulate / demand
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Meanings
postulieren
to postulate
In science or philosophy, to assume a claim to be true without proving it, in order to build a theory or argument on it. Such an assumption is called a postulate.
EXAMPLE
In seiner Theorie postulierte der Physiker die Existenz bisher unbekannter Teilchen.
In his theory, the physicist postulated the existence of previously unknown particles.
Usage tips
Register: Formal language
'Postulieren' (to postulate/demand) is a word of written language and is used mainly in formal, academic, or political contexts. In everyday colloquial speech, it sounds very elevated and unusual.
EXAMPLE
Der Autor postuliert in seinem neuen Buch eine gewagte These.
In his new book, the author postulates a bold thesis.
Word family
The verb 'postulieren' (to postulate/demand) is closely related to the noun 'das Postulat' (the postulate). A postulate is either a forceful demand or an unproven assumption that serves as the basis for a theory.
EXAMPLE
Ein zentrales Postulat seiner Philosophie ist die Freiheit des Individuums.
A central postulate of his philosophy is the freedom of the individual.
Sentence structure
The verb 'postulieren' (to postulate/demand) is usually used with a direct object in the accusative. You always postulate or demand 'etwas' (something).
EXAMPLE
Die Wissenschaftler postulierten einen direkten Zusammenhang.
The scientists postulated a direct connection.
Context clue: Demanding
When 'postulieren' (to demand) has the meaning 'fordern' (to demand/call for), the subject is often a political or social group (e.g., a party, a union). The object is then a concrete political or social demand.
EXAMPLE
Die Bürgerinitiative postulierte mehr Transparenz bei politischen Entscheidungen.
The citizens' initiative demanded more transparency in political decisions.
Context clue: Assuming
In the scientific or philosophical meaning 'als wahr annehmen' (to assume to be true), the subject is often a researcher, an author, or a theory. The object is then a thesis, a principle, or the existence of something.
EXAMPLE
Einstein postulierte, dass die Lichtgeschwindigkeit eine universelle Konstante ist.
Einstein postulated that the speed of light is a universal constant.
Compare with
postulieren vs fordern
to demand / challenge
Both words can express an emphatic political or theoretical demand. „Fordern“ is the normal, direct word; „postulieren“ sounds elevated and often presents the demand at the same time as a programmatic principle. Therefore, use „postulieren“ mainly in formal texts or policy papers.
postulieren
Das Grundsatzpapier postuliert eine gerechtere Verteilung der Bildungschancen.
The policy paper postulates a fairer distribution of educational opportunities.
fordern
Die Demonstrierenden fordern eine gerechtere Verteilung der Bildungschancen.
The demonstrators are demanding a fairer distribution of educational opportunities.
In real life
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