die  Intuition

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɪntuˈiːt͡si̯oːn/

🤔 What does "die Intuition" mean?

Die Intuition refers to the ability to gain insights or knowledge directly, without the need for conscious reasoning or rational thought. It's a kind of innere Eingebung (inner inspiration), a Bauchgefühl (gut feeling), or a sechster Sinn (sixth sense).

The word is feminine, so it always takes the article die. There are no other articles or meanings for this noun in German.

Example: Meine Intuition sagte mir, dass etwas nicht stimmt. (My intuition told me that something was wrong.)

🧐 Grammar & Declension of "die Intuition"

"Intuition" is a feminine noun. It is primarily used in the singular. The plural form "die Intuitionen" is rare and mostly used in philosophical or psychological contexts to refer to different types or instances of intuition.

Declension Singular

Declension Plural - Rare

📝 Example Sentences

• Manchmal ist es besser, auf die eigene Intuition zu hören.
  (Sometimes it's better to listen to one's own intuition.)
• Die Kraft der Intuition wird oft unterschätzt.
  (The power of intuition is often underestimated.)
• Er vertraute voll und ganz seiner Intuition.
  (He trusted his intuition completely.)
• Intuition ist schwer zu erklären, aber leicht zu spüren.
  (Intuition is hard to explain, but easy to feel.)

💡 How to use "die Intuition"?

"Intuition" is used to describe a feeling or hunch that isn't based on logical reasoning. It's a common word in everyday language as well as in specialized fields like psychology and philosophy.

• In everyday life: "Ich hatte so eine Intuition, dass ich den Regenschirm mitnehmen sollte." (I had an intuition that I should take the umbrella.)
• In psychology: Discussing intuitive decision-making processes versus analytical thinking.
• In philosophy: Considering intuition as a source of knowledge (Erkenntnisquelle).

Distinction from similar terms:

• Instinkt (instinct): More about innate, biologically driven behavior (e.g., Fluchtinstinkt - flight instinct). Intuition is more of a cognitive or emotional insight.
• Ahnung (hunch, inkling): Very similar, often used synonymously. However, Ahnung can also be a vague suspicion without the depth of intuition.
• Gefühl (feeling, emotion): A broader term for emotions. Intuition is a specific type of feeling aimed at insight.

Common phrases involve folgen (to follow), vertrauen (to trust), or hören auf (to listen to) one's intuition.

🧠 Mnemonics for "die Intuition"

For the article: Think of intuition as often being associated with a 'feminine' strength or a gentle inner voice – hence die Intuition (feminine article). Or remember related feminine words: die Ahnung (hunch), die Eingebung (inspiration), die Intuition.

For the meaning: Imagine there's a quiet voice or feeling inside you (Intuition) guiding you without conscious thought. It's like inner 'tuition'.

↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Watch out for lookalikes:

Don't confuse die Intuition with die Intention (intention, purpose). They sound similar but have completely different meanings.

😂 A little joke

Warum streiten sich Logik und Intuition nie lange? Weil die Intuition schon vorher weiß, dass die Logik am Ende Recht bekommen wird... oder auch nicht! 😉

Why do Logic and Intuition never argue for long? Because Intuition already knows that Logic will be proven right in the end... or maybe not! 😉

📜 Poem about Intuition

Ein leises Flüstern, tief im Sinn,
zeigt dir den Weg, führt dich dorthin.
Kein lauter Ruf, kein klarer Plan,
die Intuition zieht dich in Bann.

Sie spricht nicht stets mit Wort und Klang,
doch weist den Kurs, dein Leben lang.
Vertrau dem Gefühl, dem sanften Licht,
es trügt dich meistens nicht.

A quiet whisper, deep in mind,
shows you the way, helps you to find.
No loud call, no clear design,
die Intuition makes you align.

It doesn't always speak with sound,
but guides your course, the whole way 'round.
Trust the feeling, the gentle light,
it usually guides you right.

🧩 Riddle

Ich bin ein Wissen ohne Buch,
ein leiser Rat, kein Selbstbetrug.
Ich komme schnell und unbedacht,
hab manchen schon klug gemacht.
Man nennt mich Bauchgefühl, ganz schlicht.
Wer bin ich? Hörst du mein inneres Licht?

I am knowledge without a book,
A quiet counsel, not a self-crook.
I come quickly, without a thought,
Have made many wise, it's taught.
They call me 'gut feeling', simply put.
Who am I? Do you hear my inner light, output?

Solution: Die Intuition (Intuition)

✨ More about "Intuition"

Word Origin: The word comes from the Late Latin intuitio, meaning 'immediate perception' or 'contemplation'. It derives from the verb intueri: 'to look at, contemplate'.

Interesting Fact: In many cultures, intuition is highly valued, sometimes even considered a spiritual gift (spirituelle Gabe).