Wissenschaft
Meaning and Usage
"Wissenschaft" translates to "science" in English. It refers to the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experimentation. The term can also encompass the broader concept of academic disciplines or scholarly pursuits.
Linguistic Analysis
"Wissenschaft" is a compound word in German, consisting of "wissen" which means "to know" or "knowledge," and "schaft" which denotes a suffix indicating a quality or state. The word's etymology dates back to the Old High German "wizzan" (to know) and the Proto-Germanic "*witan" (to look after, guard).
Comparisons between German and English
The word "Wissenschaft" is related to the English word "science" through their common origin in Latin and their shared meaning of systematic knowledge and study.
Cultural Context
In German-speaking countries, the term "Wissenschaft" is often associated with the rigorous academic pursuit of knowledge and research. It is used to describe various scientific and scholarly activities across different disciplines.
Example Sentences
- Die Wissenschaft hat erheblich zur Entwicklung der modernen Technologie beigetragen. (Science has significantly contributed to the development of modern technology.)
- Sie studiert Wissenschaften an der Universität. (She is studying sciences at the university.)
Memory Tips
Associate "Wissenschaft" with "wisdom" and "science" to remember its meaning, as it embodies the idea of systematic knowledge and scholarly pursuits.
Additional Vocabulary
- Naturwissenschaften (natural sciences)
- Geisteswissenschaften (humanities)
- Forschung (research)
- Erkenntnis (knowledge, insight)
Gender and Plural (for nouns)
Gender: feminine Plural: die Wissenschaften
Conjugation (for verbs)
Not applicable, as "Wissenschaft" is a noun.