die
Prämisse
🤔 What exactly is a Prämisse?
Die Prämisse (feminine noun, plural: die Prämissen) is a fundamental assumption or presupposition upon which an argument, a conclusion, or a theory is based. It's the starting point of a line of reasoning.
Think of a Prämisse like the foundation of a house: without a solid foundation (valid premises), the structure built upon it (the conclusion) cannot be stable.
⚠️ It's crucial to examine the validity of the Prämissen, as a falsche Prämisse (false premise) can inevitably lead to a falsche Schlussfolgerung (false conclusion), even if the logical deduction itself is correct.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-e/-ee → almost always feminine.
There are many -e nouns, many of which are feminine, but there are also some important exceptions.
🧐 Grammar in Detail: die Prämisse
The word "Prämisse" is a feminine noun. The article is die.
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Prämisse |
| Genitive | der | Prämisse |
| Dative | der | Prämisse |
| Accusative | die | Prämisse |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Prämissen |
| Genitive | der | Prämissen |
| Dative | den | Prämissen |
| Accusative | die | Prämissen |
📝 Example Sentences
- Die gesamte Argumentation basiert auf einer zweifelhaften Prämisse.
The entire argument is based on a dubious premise. - Bevor wir weiter diskutieren, sollten wir die zugrundeliegenden Prämissen klären.
Before we discuss further, we should clarify the underlying premises. - Aus den gegebenen Prämissen lässt sich logisch ableiten, dass...
From the given premises, it can be logically deduced that...
💡 Usage Context: When to use 'die Prämisse'?
The term "Prämisse" is primarily used in contexts involving logical thinking, argumentation, and conclusions. Typical areas include:
- Philosophy & Logic: As a fundamental component of syllogisms and logical proofs.
- Science & Research: Hypotheses are often based on specific Prämissen about the phenomena under investigation.
- Law: Legal arguments are built upon legal Prämissen (laws, precedents).
- Discussions & Debates: To name and analyze the foundation of one's own arguments or those of the opposing side.
In everyday language, people might more often say "Annahme" (assumption) or "Voraussetzung" (prerequisite), whereas "Prämisse" has a more formal or academic connotation.
Common collocations include: "von einer Prämisse ausgehen" (to start from a premise), "eine Prämisse aufstellen/formulieren" (to establish/formulate a premise), "die Prämissen prüfen" (to check the premises), "falsche/richtige Prämisse" (false/correct premise).
🧠 Mnemonics for Prämisse
For the article 'die': Think of die Logik (logic) or die Argumentation (argumentation) – both need die Prämisse as their foundation. Both 'Logik' and 'Argumentation' are feminine nouns in German!
For the meaning: Prämisse sounds like 'pre-' (before) and 'mission' (conclusion, figuratively). The Prämisse comes before the 'mission' (the logical conclusion).
↔️ Opposites and Similarities: Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (similar meaning):
- Annahme: Often interchangeable, but sometimes less formal (assumption).
- Voraussetzung: Emphasizes the necessary character for something that follows (prerequisite, condition).
- Grundsatz: A fundamental rule or belief that can serve as a premise (principle).
- Axiom: An unproven statement assumed to be true (esp. in math/logic).
- These: A statement or theory put forward to be proved (thesis; can be built on premises).
Antonyms (opposite meaning):
- Schlussfolgerung / Konklusion: The result derived from the premises (conclusion).
- Ergebnis: The outcome of a process (result; can also be based on premises).
- Beweis: The reasoning showing that a conclusion follows from the premises (proof).
🚨 Caution: Do not confuse with "Prämie" (premium, bonus) or "Premisse" (outdated or incorrect spelling).
😂 A Little Logic Joke
Logikprofessor zum Studenten: "Wenn Sie aus einer falschen Prämisse eine richtige Schlussfolgerung ziehen, was beweist das?"
Student: "Dass ich Glück hatte, Professor!"
Logic professor to student: "If you draw a correct conclusion from a false premise, what does that prove?"
Student: "That I was lucky, Professor!"
📜 Poem about the Premise
Die Prämisse, klar und rein,
soll der Argumente Anfang sein.
Steht sie fest auf gutem Grund,
trägt die Logik weite Stund'.
Doch ist die Prämisse schwach,
bricht die Kette schnell danach.
Drum prüfe wohl, was du annimmst,
bevor du Schlüsse daraus nimmst.
The premise, clear and pure,
should be the argument's start, secure.
If it stands on solid ground,
logic's journey will be sound.
But if the premise shows a flaw,
the chain will quickly break its law.
So check well what you presuppose,
before your final thought bestows.
🧩 Riddle Time
Ich bin der Start, doch nicht der Schluss,
auf mir baut jeder Syllogismus.
Bin ich falsch, führt alles irr,
die Logik braucht mich, glaub es mir!
Wer bin ich?
I am the start, but not the end,
On me, all syllogisms depend.
If I am false, all goes astray,
Logic needs me, come what may!
What am I?
Solution: die Prämisse (the premise)
🌍 Other Information
Word Origin (Etymology): The word "Prämisse" comes from Middle Latin praemissa (propositio), meaning "the (statement) sent ahead". It is the feminine passive perfect participle of praemittere – "to send ahead".
Importance: Recognizing and evaluating Prämissen is a key skill for critical thinking and sound decision-making.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Prämisse?
The word "Prämisse" is feminine, so the correct article is always die Prämisse. It refers to a fundamental assumption or presupposition in an argument.