das  Indiz

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɪnˈdiːt͡s/

🔍 What does "das Indiz" mean?

Das Indiz (noun, neuter) means a sign, indication, clue, or piece of circumstantial evidence that points towards a certain situation, person, or event, without being direct, conclusive proof. It's a lead or pointer that suggests or supports an assumption.

In a legal context, an Indiz is a circumstance that allows an inference about the perpetrator or a relevant fact (Indizienbeweis - circumstantial evidence), but doesn't constitute direct proof.

This word only uses the article "das". Example: Das gefundene Haar am Tatort war ein wichtiges Indiz. (The hair found at the crime scene was an important clue.)

📚 Grammar of "Indiz" in Detail

"Indiz" is a noun with the neuter article "das". It is declined as follows:

🚨 Note: The genitive singular has two possible forms: "des Indizes" (more common, especially in legal/scientific contexts) and "des Indizies". The dative singular "dem Indizie" is rare and mostly archaic; "dem Indiz" is the standard form.

Example Sentences

1. Die Ermittler sammelten jedes kleinste Indiz. (The investigators collected every tiny clue. - Accusative Singular)
2. Aufgrund der vielen Indizien wurde der Verdächtige angeklagt. (Based on the numerous pieces of circumstantial evidence, the suspect was charged. - Dative Plural)
3. Die Bedeutung des Indizes war zunächst unklar. (The significance of the clue was initially unclear. - Genitive Singular)
4. Fieber kann ein Indiz für eine Infektion sein. (Fever can be an indication of an infection. - Nominative Singular)

💡 How to use "das Indiz"?

"Das Indiz" is used when talking about signs or clues that suggest something but do not provide definitive proof.

• Legal Context: Often used in phrases like "Indizienkette" (chain of circumstantial evidence) or "Indizienbeweis" (circumstantial evidence), where several clues together make a conviction likely. Example: Obwohl es keinen direkten Augenzeugen gab, reichten die Indizien für eine Verurteilung. (Although there was no direct eyewitness, the circumstantial evidence was sufficient for a conviction.)
• General Usage: It's also used for less formal hints or signs. Example: Sein ständiges Gähnen war ein klares Indiz für seine Müdigkeit. (His constant yawning was a clear indication of his tiredness.)
• Scientific Context: Researchers look for Indizien (clues/indications) to support hypotheses. Example: Die Messwerte lieferten erste Indizien für die Existenz des neuen Teilchens. (The measurements provided initial indications for the existence of the new particle.)

Distinction: An Indiz is weaker than a Beweis (proof). A Beweis leads to certainty, while an Indiz only leads to a probability or assumption. The word Anzeichen (sign) is often a synonym but can be even more general.

🧠 Mnemonics for "Indiz"

For the article (das): Think of neutral things that serve as signs, like das Zeichen (the sign), das Signal (the signal). An Indiz is like a neutral pointer, hence das Indiz.

For the meaning: Indiz sounds a bit like "indication" or "indirect". It's an indirect sign, not direct proof.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar, but different words:

• Index (der): Index (e.g., stock index, body mass index), list. Has a different meaning and article!

😄 A Little Joke

DE: Fragt der Richter den Angeklagten: "Haben Sie Beweise für Ihre Unschuld?" Antwortet der Angeklagte: "Nein, Herr Richter, nur ein paar schwache Indizien!"

EN: The judge asks the defendant: "Do you have proof of your innocence?" The defendant replies: "No, Your Honor, just a few weak clues!"

📜 Poem about the Clue

DE:
Ein Flüstern leis, ein Schatten sacht,
Das Indiz erwacht in dunkler Nacht.
Kein lauter Ruf, kein klarer Schein,
doch führt es uns auf Spuren fein.

Ein Faden hier, ein Fußabdruck dort,
es weist den Weg zu einem Ort.
Es löst das Rätsel, Stück für Stück,
das Indiz bringt Wahrheit uns zurück.

EN:
A whisper soft, a shadow slight,
The clue (das Indiz) awakes in darkest night.
No loud call, no clear beam's light,
But leads us on tracks, fine and right.

A thread found here, a footprint there,
It points the way, shows us where.
It solves the puzzle, bit by bit,
The clue (das Indiz) brings truth back, making fit.

🧩 Riddle Time

DE:
Ich bin kein Beweis, doch zeig' ich gern,
wo Wahrheit liegt, ob nah, ob fern.
Ein Detektiv schätzt meine Kraft,
auch wenn ich nur Vermutung schaff'.
Mit sächlichem Artikel steh' ich da.

Was bin ich?

EN:
I am no proof, but gladly show,
Where truth may lie, where it might flow.
A detective values my might,
Though I only create assumption's light.
With a neuter article, I stand near.

What am I?
(Answer: das Indiz)

🌐 Further Information

Etymology: The word "Indiz" comes from the Latin word indicium, meaning "indication," "mark," or "proof." It is related to the Latin verb indicare ("to indicate").

Related terms (German): Indizienprozess (trial based on circumstantial evidence), Indizienbeweis (circumstantial evidence), Indizienkette (chain of circumstantial evidence).