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Erkenntnis

insight

noun er-KENT-nis Less Common
Mind & Emotions Mental States

Origin: from erkennen ('to recognise')

Also means

realization

Usage Note

Erkenntnis is a key term in philosophy and science for knowledge gained or a realisation reached. Watch the gender: die Erkenntnis is feminine, unlike many -nis nouns which are neuter. Plural Erkenntnisse.

Examples

"Diese Erkenntnis kam zu spät."

Natural Translation

This realization came too late.

Literal Translation

This realization came too late.

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