erscheiding

Erscheinung is a German noun that generally means appearance, manifestation, or apparition. The term stems from the verb erscheinen, “to appear,” and in everyday language it can refer to the outward form of a person or object as well as to a notable phenomenon. In Dutch, a related term is verschijning.

In philosophy, Erscheinung is used to denote the world as it presents itself to perception, i.e., the realm of appearances. It is the counterpart to the thing-in-itself (Ding an sich) in Kantian philosophy, where the phenomena constitute what we can know, while the thing-in-itself lies beyond possible experience. In phenomenology, Erscheinung refers to the intentional presentations of objects as they are given to consciousness, shaping how things are encountered.

In theology and folklore, Erscheinung often designates a visionary or miraculous appearance, such as the Erscheinung of a saint, an angelic visitor, or a sacred figure. These appearances are typically interpreted as meaningful interventions or signs rather than ordinary events.

In everyday use, Erscheinung can describe outward appearance or presentation, including physical looks, demeanor, or the visual impression something makes. The term is sometimes used poetically to refer to a striking or notable person “eine Erscheinung,” highlighting their visual impact or aura.

Synonyms and related terms include Erscheinungsbild (outward appearance or presentation) and Erscheinungswelt (world of appearances). The concept remains central to discussions of how reality is known, perceived, or interpreted in different contexts.