die  Expertenmeinung

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɛkˈspɛʁtənˌmaɪ̯nʊŋ/

🧐 What Exactly is an 'Expertenmeinung'?

Die Expertenmeinung (feminine, article: die) refers to the well-founded view, assessment, or judgment of a person who possesses special knowledge, skills, or experience in a particular field (an Experte or Expertin - expert).

It represents a qualified statement often used as a basis for decisions, analyses, or evaluations. It differs from a Laienmeinung (layperson's opinion) or persönliche Ansicht (personal view) due to its foundation in expertise and experience.

Since the word ends in -ung, the article is typically die. There are no other articles or meanings to consider here. 🚨 Be careful not to confuse it with a formal Gutachten (expert report/assessment), although the lines can sometimes be blurry.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📝 Grammar in Detail: Die Expertenmeinung

The noun 'Expertenmeinung' is feminine. Therefore, the article is always 'die'. It is declined as follows:

Example Sentences

1. Die Expertenmeinung des Arztes war eindeutig.
   (The doctor's expert opinion was clear.)
2. Wir haben mehrere Expertenmeinungen eingeholt, bevor wir eine Entscheidung trafen.
   (We obtained several expert opinions before making a decision.)
3. Auf die Expertenmeinung des Ingenieurs wurde großer Wert gelegt.
   (Great importance was attached to the engineer's expert opinion.)
4. Im Bericht fehlte eine fundierte Expertenmeinung.
   (The report lacked a well-founded expert opinion.)

🗣️ When Do You Need 'die Expertenmeinung'?

The term die Expertenmeinung is frequently used in contexts where specialized knowledge is crucial:

• Reporting & Media: Journalists often cite expert opinions to explain or evaluate issues. (Journalisten zitieren oft Expertenmeinungen...)
• Law & Justice: In court, expert opinions (often in the form of a Gutachten) can serve as evidence. (Vor Gericht können Expertenmeinungen als Beweismittel dienen.)
• Science & Research: Scientific discourse is based on the exchange and evaluation of expert opinions. (Der wissenschaftliche Diskurs basiert auf... Expertenmeinungen.)
• Business & Consulting: Companies seek expert opinions to make strategic decisions. (Unternehmen holen Expertenmeinungen ein...)
• Medicine: A medical diagnosis is based on the doctor's expert opinion. (Die ärztliche Diagnose basiert auf der Expertenmeinung...)

Compared to a persönliche Meinung (personal opinion) or Ansicht (view), the Expertenmeinung carries more weight because it is based on expertise. A Gutachten is often a formalized, written, and detailed expert opinion that must meet specific requirements.

🧠 Mnemonics for 'Expertenmeinung'

Article Mnemonic: Words ending in -ung in German are almost always feminine (die). Think of die Meinung (the opinion) itself – it's also feminine. So, it's die Expertenmeinung.

Meaning Mnemonic: Picture a wise expert giving their opinion (Meinung). Put them together: Expertenmeinung – the qualified view of the specialist.

🔄 Similar & Opposite: Synonyms and Antonyms

⚠️ Be careful with 'Expertise': It primarily means expertise/know-how, not the opinion itself.

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der Richter den Angeklagten: "Haben Sie noch etwas zu sagen?"
Antwortet der Angeklagte: "Ja, Herr Richter. Ich hätte gerne eine zweite Expertenmeinung... vielleicht von jemandem, der mich nicht für schuldig hält?"

(The judge asks the defendant: "Do you have anything else to say?"
The defendant replies: "Yes, Your Honor. I'd like a second expert opinion... perhaps from someone who doesn't think I'm guilty?")

📜 Poem about 'Expertenmeinung'

Im Dschungel der Fakten, so wirr und so dicht,
sucht man nach Wahrheit, sucht man nach Licht.
Wer weiß denn Bescheid, wer kennt sich hier aus?
Da hilft oft nur eines: des Experten Applaus.

Die Expertenmeinung, fundiert und mit Fug,
bringt Klarheit ins Dunkel, Zug um Zug.
Ob Arzt oder Anwalt, Physiker schlau,
ihr Wort hat Gewicht, das weiß man genau.

(In the jungle of facts, so tangled and dense,
one searches for truth, seeks light for defense.
Who truly knows, who understands the fray?
Often one thing helps: the expert's say.)

(The expert opinion, well-founded and right,
brings clarity to darkness, step by step, bright.
Be it doctor or lawyer, or physicist clever,
their word carries weight, that's known forever.)

❓ Little Riddle

Ich bin keine bloße Ansicht,
kein Raten ins Blaue hinein.
Ich stütze mich auf Wissen und Sicht,
von jemandem, der kennt sein Metier fein.

Man holt mich ein für Rat und für Tat,
wenn Laien nicht weiter mehr wissen.
Ich ende auf "-ung" und bin feminin im Staat.
Wer bin ich, mit Wissen beflissen?

(I am not a mere view,
no random guess into the blue.
I rely on knowledge and sight,
from someone who knows their craft just right.)

(I'm sought for advice and for action,
when laypersons lack traction.
I end with "-ung" and my gender is 'die'.
Who am I, with knowledge held high?)

Solution: die Expertenmeinung (the expert opinion)

🧩 Word Components & More

Word Composition:

The word "Expertenmeinung" is a compound noun, formed from:

• Der Experte / Die Expertin (Plural: die Experten): An expert; a person with special knowledge. Used here possibly in the genitive plural ("der Experten" - of the experts) or with a linking element ("Experten-").
• Die Meinung: The opinion, view, or judgment.

Together, the meaning is essentially: The opinion of the experts.

Trivia:

In many fields, such as art appraisal or medical second opinions, obtaining multiple expert opinions (mehrere Expertenmeinungen) plays a crucial role in establishing a more solid basis for decision-making.