Stichhaltiger

Stichhaltiger is the comparative form of the German adjective stichhaltig, which means well-founded, plausible, or airtight. It is used to describe a claim, argument, evidence, or conclusion that withstands scrutiny and is supported by solid reasoning or facts. The word is common in academic, legal, and journalistic contexts, where precision and justification are important.

Etymology and nuance: The term combines Stich (stitch) and halten (to hold). The original image is of something kept together by stitches; figuratively, a stichhaltiger argument is one that is held up by coherent reasoning and convincing evidence. This figurative sense has become its standard meaning in contemporary usage.

Usage and collocations: Stichhaltig is frequently found with Beweise (stichhaltige Beweise), Argumente (stichhaltige Argumente), Hinweise, Studien, Belege, and Hypothesen. The comparative form stichhaltiger is used when comparing two or more options, e.g., “Diese Belege sind stichhaltiger als jene aus der ersten Studie.” In practice, one might say: “Der Bericht liefert stichhaltigere Ergebnisse.”

Synonyms and contrasts: Related terms include schlüssig, logisch, plausibel, belastbar. Stichhaltigkeit emphasizes evidentiary support and practical justification, whereas schlüssig focuses more on logical coherence. In everyday language, stating that something is “nicht stichhaltig” signals insufficient justification or lack of supporting facts.

Grammar and usage notes: Stichhaltig is an attributive adjective and inflects according to gender, number, and case (z. B. stichhaltiger Beweis, stichhaltige Argumente, am stichhaltigsten). Its register is formal and precise, making it a preferred choice in reasoned discourse.