conclusive / coherent
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conclusive
Logical, consistent, and convincing. Used for arguments, plans, or explanations that are internally coherent and easy to understand.
Der Detektiv präsentierte eine schlüssige Theorie zum Tathergang.
The detective presented a conclusive theory about how the crime happened.
'Schlüssig' (conclusive/coherent) is related to 'der Schlüssel' (the key) and 'schließen' (to close/conclude). A conclusive argument is one in which all the parts fit together like a key in a lock and form a logical, 'closed' whole.
Seine Erklärung für die Verspätung klang nicht sehr schlüssig.
His explanation for the delay did not sound very conclusive.
This adjective typically describes abstract concepts that can be logical. Common combinations are: 'eine schlüssige Argumentation' (a conclusive argument), 'ein schlüssiger Plan' (a coherent plan), 'ein schlüssiges Konzept' (a coherent concept), or 'eine schlüssige Erklärung' (a conclusive explanation).
Die Polizei braucht einen schlüssigen Beweis, um den Fall zu lösen.
The police need conclusive evidence to solve the case.
'Schlüssig' (conclusive/coherent) is often used predicatively with verbs like 'sein' (to be), 'wirken' (to seem), or 'klingen' (to sound) to express an evaluation.
Der Plan für das neue Projekt wirkt auf den ersten Blick schlüssig.
At first glance, the plan for the new project seems coherent.
closed
'geschlossen' and 'schlüssig' can both be used for thoughts, plans, or arguments. 'geschlossen' emphasizes that something is complete in its structure and that no important parts are missing. 'schlüssig' emphasizes that something is logical and convincing. An explanation can seem 'geschlossen' because it is well structured. It is 'schlüssig' if the reasons really fit together and are easy to follow.
In ihrer E-Mail erklärt die Mitarbeiterin schlüssig, warum der Termin verschoben werden muss.
In her email, the employee explains coherently why the appointment has to be postponed.
Der Vortrag hatte eine geschlossene Struktur mit Anfang, Hauptteil und Schluss.
The presentation had a self-contained structure with an introduction, main section, and conclusion.