01
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
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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
'fordern' and 'postulieren' can both mean that someone clearly demands something. 'fordern' is the normal word in everyday life, politics, work, or arguments. 'postulieren' sounds much more elevated and is more often used in formal texts, speeches, or theoretical contexts. It often feels more abstract than 'fordern'. When a group demands more money, rights, or a change, people usually say 'fordern'. 'postulieren' is more appropriate when a demand is formulated in a very fundamental or programmatic way.
postulieren
In seinem Vortrag postuliert er ein Recht auf freien Zugang zu Bildung.
In his lecture, he postulates a right to free access to education.
fordern
Die Mitarbeiter fordern mehr Zeit für die Vorbereitung.
The employees are demanding more time for preparation.
In real life
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