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.
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?
law
'das Gesetz' and 'die Theorie' can be confused in science and everyday language because both can explain or describe something. A 'Gesetz' describes a fixed regular pattern that is considered generally valid. A 'Theorie' explains connections and can consist of several statements or ideas. In everyday language, 'Theorie' also often means an assumption that has not yet been proven or not yet been tested in practice. That is why 'Gesetz' is more suitable for a fixed rule, while 'Theorie' is more suitable for an explanatory model or an idea that is still uncertain.
Marias Theorie klingt interessant, aber sie muss sie noch mit Daten prüfen.
Maria's theory sounds interesting, but she still has to test it with data.
Dieses Gesetz der Natur gilt überall und nicht nur in einem bestimmten Land.
This law of nature applies everywhere, not just in a particular country.