assumption / suspicion
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assumption / suspicion
An assumption or thought about something that is not known for certain or has not been proven.
Ich habe die Vermutung, dass er uns nicht die ganze Wahrheit erzählt.
I have a suspicion that he is not telling us the whole truth.
'Die Vermutung' (the assumption/suspicion) is the noun form of the verb 'vermuten' (to assume/suspect). If you suspect something, you have a 'Vermutung' (suspicion).
Ich vermute, dass der Zug Verspätung hat.
I suspect that the train is delayed.
Very often, a 'Vermutung' (assumption/suspicion) is introduced with a subordinate clause that begins with 'dass' (that). This subordinate clause then explains exactly what the assumption or suspicion is.
Die Polizei äußerte die Vermutung, dass der Täter Hilfe hatte.
The police expressed the suspicion that the perpetrator had help.
Common verbs used with 'Vermutung' (assumption/suspicion) are 'haben' (to have), 'äußern' (to express), 'bestätigen' (to confirm), and 'widerlegen' (to refute).
Spätere Untersuchungen haben meine anfängliche Vermutung bestätigt.
Later investigations confirmed my initial assumption.
hunch / idea
'die Ahnung' and 'die Vermutung' both mean that you do not know something for certain. 'Ahnung' sounds more like a feeling or premonition: you often cannot explain exactly why you think that way. 'Vermutung' sounds more factual. You have a thought or assumption, perhaps because there are clues. Learners may confuse the words because both express uncertain knowledge. As a simple guide: 'Ahnung' comes more from the gut, while 'Vermutung' comes more from the head.
Wegen der dunklen Wolken hatte Tom die Vermutung, dass es bald regnen würde.
Because of the dark clouds, Tom assumed that it would rain soon.
Nach der Arbeit hatte ich plötzlich die Ahnung, dass ich etwas Wichtiges vergessen hatte.
After work, I suddenly had a hunch that I had forgotten something important.