theoretische

Theoretische is a Dutch adjective meaning related to theory or based on theoretical considerations rather than on practical experience or direct observation. It is used to describe concepts, methods, disciplines, or approaches that emphasize models, abstractions, or deductive reasoning. When the noun it modifies is definite, the adjective takes the ending -e, for example: de theoretische basis, het theoretische model. In indefinite phrases, the form without -e is commonly used: een theoretisch model.

The term derives from the noun theorie (theory) and the suffix -isch/-isch, forming theoretisch, with the feminine/definite form altered to theoretische in common Dutch usage. The root traces back to Greek theōria, theory, via Latin and later European languages, and has been integrated into Dutch scientific and intellectual vocabulary.

In academic practice, theoretische descriptions denote work that constructs or analyzes abstract frameworks, axioms, or generalized models. This contrasts with empirische (empirical) approaches that rely on observation or experiment, and met name met praktische (practical) applications. Theoretical work is common across disciplines, including theoretische fysica (theoretical physics), theoretische informatica (theoretical computer science), theoretische lingustiek (theoretical linguistics), and theoretische wiskunde (theoretical mathematics).

Theoretical perspectives are often complemented by empirical validation in ongoing research. In discourse, the term can also signal a focus on concepts and reasoning rather than on implementation details, and it may appear in phrases like theoretische overwegingen (theoretical considerations) or theoretische modellen (theoretical models).