die  Definition

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/defɪniˈt͡si̯oːn/

🎯 What exactly is a Definition?

The German word die Definition (noun, feminine) refers to the precise determination or explanation of a concept, word, or matter. It clearly delineates the semantic content and makes it understandable.

• Main meaning: Conceptual determination, explanation, specification of the content of a term.
• Other nuances: It can also refer to sharpness or clarity (e.g., of an image), although this is less common in German and more technical (often 'Auflösung' or 'Schärfe' is preferred).

Example: "Die Definition von Glück ist für jeden Menschen anders." (The definition of happiness is different for every person.)

⚠️ Be careful not to confuse 'Definition' with 'Interpretation' (interpretation). A Definition aims for objectivity and clarity, while an Interpretation can be more subjective.

🧐 Grammar: Die Definition in Detail

The word "Definition" is a feminine noun and therefore uses the article "die". It follows the standard declension pattern for feminine nouns ending in "-ion".

📝 Example Sentences

1. Nominative: Die Definition war sehr präzise. (The definition was very precise.)
2. Genitive: Die Klarheit der Definition half beim Verständnis. (The clarity of the definition helped with understanding.)
3. Dative: Ich stimme der Definition nicht ganz zu. (I don't quite agree with the definition.)
4. Accusative: Er suchte die Definition im Wörterbuch. (He looked for the definition in the dictionary.)
5. Plural: Für diesen Begriff gibt es mehrere Definitionen. (There are several definitions for this term.)

💡 How to Use 'die Definition' Correctly

"Die Definition" is often used in contexts involving clarity, knowledge, science, language, or formal descriptions.

• Academic context: In scientific papers, discussions, lectures. Example: "In Kapitel 2 finden Sie die genaue Definition der verwendeten Termini." (In Chapter 2, you will find the precise definition of the terms used.)
• Everyday language: When something needs to be explained or established. Example: "Was ist deine Definition von Erfolg?" (What is your definition of success?)
• Formal contexts: In contracts, legal texts, technical documentation. Example: "Laut Definition im Vertrag beginnt die Laufzeit am ersten des Monats." (According to the definition in the contract, the term begins on the first of the month.)
• Expression "per Definition": Used to express that something is the way it is due to its fundamental meaning or characteristic. Example: "Ein Kreis ist per Definition rund." (A circle is round by definition.)

Risk of confusion? Sometimes "Beschreibung" (description) is used synonymously, but a Definition is usually more precise and distinguishes the term more sharply than a mere description.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article Mnemonic

Remember: Many German nouns ending in -ion are feminine, like die Aktion (action), die Nation (nation), die Funktion (function)... and also die Definition! Think of it as 'the' rule (feminine in German, 'die Regel') that brings clarity.

Meaning Mnemonic

A Definition is like a definite pointer 👉 to what something exactly means. It establishes it, makes it definite.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms for Definition

⚠️ Similar but Different Words

• Interpretation: Interpretation or exegesis (more subjective).
• Beschreibung: Description; portrayal of characteristics (can be part of a definition, but not the same thing).

😂 A Little Joke

Teacher asks: "Wer kann mir die Definition von 'Vakuum' geben?"
Fritzchen raises his hand: "Ich hab's im Kopf, Herr Lehrer, aber es fällt mir gerade nicht ein!"

(Teacher asks: "Who can give me the definition of 'vacuum'?"
Little Fritz raises his hand: "I have it in my head, teacher, but I just can't think of it right now!")

✍️ Poem about Definition

Ein Wort, ein Ding, ein leerer Raum,
braucht Klarheit, wie ein schöner Traum.
Die Definition, sie schafft das Licht,
grenzt ab, erklärt, vergisst es nicht.
Sie fasst das Wesen, kurz und knapp,
nimmt Zweifeln jede Chance ab.

(A word, a thing, an empty space,
needs clarity, like a lovely dream's embrace.
The definition, it creates the light,
defines, explains, forgets it not.
It grasps the essence, short and concise,
takes away any chance from doubt's device.)

🧩 Little Riddle

Ich bringe Ordnung ins Verstehen,
lass keinen Zweifel offen stehen.
Ich grenze ab und erkläre klar,
was ein Begriff schon immer war.

Wer bin ich?

(I bring order to understanding,
leave no doubt outstanding.
I delimit and explain clearly,
what a concept always was, merely.

What am I?) (... Die Definition / The Definition)

🤓 Additional Information

• Word Origin (Etymology): The word "Definition" comes from the Latin verb definire, meaning "to delimit", "to determine" (de = "from, away", finire = "to limit", from finis = "border", "end").
• Related Words: definieren (verb: to define), definitiv (adjective/adverb: definite(ly)), undefiniert (adjective: undefined).
• Fields of Application: Definitions are central to philosophy, logic, mathematics, law, natural sciences, and many other disciplines.