Vergleiche

Vergleiche is the plural form of the German noun Vergleich, meaning comparisons or comparative statements. It describes the act or result of evaluating two or more items to identify similarities or differences. The term can also appear as the imperative form of the verb vergleichen in the second person singular: Vergleiche! (Compare!).

In linguistics and literature, a Vergleich is a figure of speech that makes an explicit comparison between two different things, typically using a linking word such as wie or als. Example: Er kämpft wie ein Löwe. This explicit link distinguishes Vergleich from metaphor, which asserts identity without an explicit connecting word.

In logic and mathematics, Vergleiche describe relations between objects, such as equality or order. They encompass statements like A = B or A > B, and the use of comparison operators in programming and mathematical reasoning. In empirical research, Vergleiche are used to evaluate hypotheses, compare datasets, or measure performance differences between models or treatments.

In practical use, Vergleiche help explain differences or highlight similarities in journalism, science, and everyday language. The plural form is common in reports and analyses that summarize multiple instances of comparison. Overall, the concept is central to critical thinking and decision making, enabling assessment across options, outcomes, or theories.