stichhaltigen

Stichhaltig is a German adjective meaning well-founded, plausible, or tenable. It describes arguments, conclusions, or explanations that are adequately supported by evidence, reasoning, and relevant sources. A stichhaltige Begründung must present a coherent chain of premises, avoid logical fallacies, and be verifiable by data or authorities.

In academic, legal, and journalistic discourse the term signals that a claim withstands critical scrutiny rather than merely appealing to opinion. Criteria typically include relevance, sufficiency of evidence, consistency with known facts, and transparent methodology. A stichhaltige Argumentation integrates sources, explains method, and allows independent checks.

Stichhaltigkeit is not identical with popular appeal; it emphasizes objective substantiation. A claim can be plausible without being stichhaltig, and vice versa. The phrase stichhaltig is commonly used with nouns such as Begründung, Beweise, Argumentation, Indizien, or Hypothese.

Origin and connotations: The word evokes the idea of something being held together firmly, much like a stitch that secures fabric; this metaphor frames an argument that remains intact under critical examination.

See also: fundiert, belegbar, nachweisbar, substantiell, plausibel.