theoretisch

Theoretisch is a German adjective and adverb meaning "theoretical" or "in theory." As an adjective it describes things grounded in abstract reasoning, such as models, explanations, or frameworks that derive from principles rather than direct observation or practical experience. As an adverb it means "in theory" and is used to indicate that a statement would hold under ideal assumptions or within a theoretical construction, not necessarily in practice.

Etymology: The word derives from the same root as "Theorie" and "theoretisch," from Late Latin theoria and Greek theoria, via French théorique into German.

Usage: In science and academia it contrasts theoretical frameworks with empirical data and practical applications. Theoretical models are judged by internal consistency and alignment with accepted theories; their predictions require experimental verification. The term can also indicate hypothetical or idealized cases in everyday language, for example, that something is theoretically possible while acknowledging real-world constraints.

Fields and usage: The term is common in theoretical physics, mathematics, computer science, and philosophy, often paired with words like Modell, Rahmen, Grundlagen, or Theorie. In everyday language it signals idealized or hypothetical scenarios and is frequently used with qualifiers such as "theoretisch machbar" or "theoretisch möglich."

See also: Theorie, Hypothese, Modell, Praxis.