theory
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theory
A system of scientific statements and principles that serves to explain a particular area of reality.
Einsteins Relativitätstheorie hat unser Verständnis von Raum und Zeit revolutioniert.
Einstein's theory of relativity revolutionized our understanding of space and time.
theory
An assumption or idea that stands in contrast to practice; a purely conceptual consideration that has not yet been proven or tested in practice.
In der Theorie klingt dein Plan gut, aber ob er in der Praxis funktioniert, müssen wir erst noch sehen.
In theory, your plan sounds good, but whether it works in practice is something we still have to see.
theory
The theoretical part of a course or exam, especially in driving school.
Für den Führerschein muss man zuerst die Prüfung für die Theorie bestehen.
For a driver's license, you first have to pass the theory exam.
The adjective for 'Theorie' (theory) is 'theoretisch' (theoretical). It is often used to express a conceptual possibility or a non-practical consideration.
Theoretisch könnten wir morgen anfangen, aber wir haben noch nicht alle Materialien.
Theoretically, we could start tomorrow, but we don't have all the materials yet.
In a scientific context, 'Theorie' (theory) describes an established explanatory model. Typical verbs here are 'eine Theorie aufstellen' (to formulate a theory), 'eine Theorie beweisen' (to prove a theory), or 'eine Theorie widerlegen' (to disprove a theory).
Der Forscher hat eine neue Theorie zur Entstehung des Lebens aufgestellt.
The researcher formulated a new theory on the origin of life.
'Theorie' (theory) is very often used in contrast to 'Praxis' (practice). The fixed expression 'in der Theorie ..., aber in der Praxis ...' (in theory ..., but in practice ...) expresses that an idea sounds good but may not work in reality.
In der Theorie sollte das Experiment klappen, aber die Praxis sieht oft anders aus.
In theory, the experiment should work, but practice often looks different.
In everyday life, you hear 'die Theorie' (the theory) very often in connection with a driver's license. It refers to the theoretical part of the training and exam, as opposed to practical driving.
Hast du schon für die Theorie gelernt?
Have you already studied for the theory exam?
model
Modell and Theorie can both explain scientific relationships. A Modell presents selected structures of a system or process in simplified form, while a Theorie forms a more comprehensive system of statements and principles. Use Modell for a simplified representation and Theorie for the complete explanatory system.
Die Theorie erklärt umfassend, wie sich die Preise verändern.
The theory provides a comprehensive explanation of how prices change.
Das Modell zeigt vereinfacht, wie sich die Preise verändern.
The model shows in simplified form how prices change.
