widerlegen en 30 segundos
- Widerlegen means to prove a statement or theory wrong using evidence.
- It is a formal, inseparable verb used in science, law, and debates.
- The past participle is 'widerlegt' (no 'ge-') and it takes the accusative case.
- It differs from 'widersprechen' as it focuses on factual proof rather than verbal disagreement.
The German verb widerlegen is a cornerstone of intellectual discourse, scientific inquiry, and legal argumentation. At its core, it means to prove that a statement, a theory, an accusation, or an assumption is false or incorrect. Unlike simply disagreeing with someone, which is often expressed with widersprechen, the act of widerlegen requires the presentation of evidence or logical reasoning that effectively nullifies the original claim. When you widerlegen something, you are not just offering a different opinion; you are providing the 'proof of the opposite' (den Gegenbeweis erbringen).
- Scientific Context
- In the realm of science, progress is often made by falsifying existing hypotheses. A scientist might spend years trying to widerlegen a long-standing theory by conducting new experiments that yield contradictory results. For example, Einstein's theories helped to widerlegen certain Newtonian concepts regarding absolute time and space at high velocities.
- Legal and Forensic Context
- In a courtroom, a defense attorney strives to widerlegen the accusations made by the prosecution. This is done by presenting alibis, DNA evidence, or witness testimonies that show the prosecution's narrative cannot be true. If a witness claims they saw the defendant at 9:00 PM in Berlin, but a flight manifest shows the defendant was in London at that time, the witness's statement is effectively widerlegt.
- Everyday Arguments
- While it sounds formal, you can use widerlegen in daily life when someone makes a factual error. If a friend claims that it never rains in the Sahara Desert, you can widerlegen this by showing them climate data that records occasional rainfall in that region.
Es ist schwierig, eine fest verwurzelte Überzeugung allein durch Fakten zu widerlegen.
The word is inseparable. Even though it starts with 'wider' (against), you never say 'ich lege wider'. It is always 'ich widerlege'. This is a common point of confusion for learners who might confuse it with separable verbs like wiederholen (which is also inseparable in its most common meaning, but the prefix 'wider' vs 'wieder' is the key). 'Wider' specifically carries the meaning of 'against' or 'contrary to', which perfectly fits the action of arguing against a claim to prove it wrong.
In academic writing, you will frequently encounter this word in the passive voice: Die Hypothese wurde widerlegt (The hypothesis was refuted). This shifts the focus from the person doing the refuting to the factual correction itself. It is considered a very precise and powerful verb. If you tell someone 'Ich widerlege deine Aussage', you are signaling that you have concrete evidence, not just a different perspective.
Neue Studien konnten die bisherige Annahme eindeutig widerlegen.
To use this word effectively, you must identify the object of the refutation. You widerlegen a Behauptung (claim), a Theorie (theory), an Argument (argument), or a Gerücht (rumor). It is almost always used with abstract nouns representing ideas or statements rather than physical objects. You wouldn't 'widerlegen' a chair, but you could 'widerlegen' the claim that the chair is made of solid gold.
Using widerlegen correctly requires an understanding of its transitive nature. It always takes a direct object in the accusative case. You are refuting *something*. Because it is an inseparable verb, the 'ge-' prefix in the past participle is omitted. Therefore, the past participle is simply widerlegt.
- Present Tense (Präsens)
- In the present tense, the verb follows standard conjugation for weak verbs, but without the prefix separation.
Beispiel: Der Professor widerlegt die Argumente der Studenten mit Leichtigkeit. (The professor refutes the students' arguments with ease.) - Perfect Tense (Perfekt)
- The auxiliary verb is 'haben'. Remember: no 'ge-'.
Beispiel: Die Wissenschaftler haben die alte Theorie endlich widerlegt. (The scientists have finally disproven the old theory.) - Passive Voice (Passiv)
- This is very common in formal German to sound objective.
Beispiel: Seine Behauptung wurde durch DNA-Tests widerlegt. (His claim was refuted by DNA tests.)
Können Sie diese Anschuldigungen widerlegen?
When constructing complex sentences, widerlegen often appears in the infinitive with 'zu' or after modal verbs. It is a 'high-level' verb, so using it correctly immediately elevates your German register from B1 toward B2 and C1. It shows that you are capable of discussing logic and truth rather than just feelings and basic actions.
Consider the difference between 'etwas widerlegen' and 'jemandem widersprechen'. If you widersprechen (dative), you are talking back to a person. If you widerlegen (accusative), you are dismantling an idea. You can widerlegen a statement without even talking to the person who made it, simply by publishing a paper with better data.
Es gelang ihm nicht, die Beweise der Gegenseite zu widerlegen.
In a debate, you might say: 'Ich möchte Ihre Argumentation widerlegen.' This sounds much more professional and intellectually rigorous than saying 'Ich finde Ihre Meinung falsch.' It implies that you have a logical basis for your disagreement. The verb is frequently paired with adverbs like eindeutig (clearly), wissenschaftlich (scientifically), logisch (logically), or vollständig (completely).
You will encounter widerlegen in specific environments where truth and facts are the primary focus. It is not a 'slang' word, nor is it something you would hear frequently in a casual conversation about what to eat for dinner. However, in the following contexts, it is indispensable.
- The News and Journalism
- When a politician makes a claim that is later proven false by facts, news anchors will say: 'Diese Behauptung wurde inzwischen widerlegt.' (This claim has since been refuted.) In the age of 'Fake News', journalists often see their role as 'widerlegen' of misinformation and myths.
- Documentaries and Educational Media
- Science documentaries often use the word to describe the history of human knowledge. 'Lange glaubte man, die Erde sei eine Scheibe, bis Seefahrer diese Theorie widerlegten.' (For a long time, people believed the Earth was a disc, until sailors disproved this theory.) It is used to show the transition from ignorance to knowledge.
- University Lectures and Academic Papers
- If you study in Germany, you will hear this word in every seminar. Professors will ask students to widerlegen a specific thesis or will present a new study that widerlegt previous findings. It is the engine of academic progress.
In der Talkshow versuchte der Experte, die Mythen über den Klimawandel zu widerlegen.
You might also hear it in crime dramas (Krimis). When an investigator finds a piece of evidence that breaks a suspect's alibi, they might say: 'Damit ist Ihr Alibi widerlegt.' It is a moment of high drama because it signifies that the 'lie' has been exposed by 'truth'.
In a business setting, it is used during strategic meetings. If a manager proposes a plan based on the assumption that sales will grow by 20%, and a data analyst shows that market trends are actually declining, the analyst is widerlegen the manager's assumption. It’s a word for people who work with data, logic, and evidence.
Die neuesten Verkaufszahlen widerlegen die optimistische Prognose des Vorstands.
Even advanced learners of German make mistakes with widerlegen. Most of these errors stem from its similarity to other words or its specific grammatical requirements. Here are the most frequent pitfalls to avoid.
- Confusion with 'wiederlegen'
- This is a spelling mistake even native speakers make. Wieder means 'again', while wider means 'against'. Since 'widerlegen' means to argue *against* something, it must be spelled with wider. There is no such word as 'wiederlegen' in standard German (though you might 'wieder etwas hinlegen', but that is two separate words).
- Treating it as a Separable Verb
- Many verbs starting with 'wider' are inseparable, and widerlegen is one of them. Do NOT say 'Ich lege die Theorie wider'. The correct form is 'Ich widerlege die Theorie'. In the past participle, it is 'widerlegt', NOT 'widergelegt'.
- Mixing up with 'widersprechen'
- While they both involve disagreement, widersprechen takes the dative case and usually refers to a person or a statement as a verbal act. Widerlegen takes the accusative and refers to the factual dismantling of an idea. You can widersprechen someone just because you're stubborn, but you can only widerlegen something if you have proof.
Falsch: Ich habe die Theorie widergelegt.
Richtig: Ich habe die Theorie widerlegt.
Another mistake is using widerlegen for physical objects. You cannot widerlegen a broken car or a messy room. You can only widerlegen the *claim* that the car works or the *statement* that the room is clean. Always ensure your object is an abstract concept, a statement, or a logical construct.
Finally, watch out for the 'ge-' in the Perfekt. Because the stress is not on the first syllable (the prefix 'wider-'), the verb does not take 'ge-'. This is a rule for all inseparable verbs. If you say 'widergelegt', it sounds very uneducated to a native ear. Practice saying 'Ich habe es widerlegt' until it feels natural.
German is a language of precision, and there are several words that are similar to widerlegen but carry different shades of meaning. Choosing the right one depends on whether you are in a lab, a court, or a heated debate at a pub.
- Widerlegen vs. Falsifizieren
- While widerlegen is the general term, falsifizieren is specifically used in science and philosophy (think Karl Popper). It refers to the process of proving a hypothesis false through empirical testing. Use 'falsifizieren' in a lab report and 'widerlegen' in a newspaper article.
- Widerlegen vs. Entkräften
- Entkräften (to weaken/invalidate) is slightly softer. If you widerlegen an argument, it is dead. If you entkräften an argument, you make it less convincing or strip it of its 'strength' (Kraft). You might entkräften a suspicion by providing a partial explanation, but you widerlegen it by proving it impossible.
- Widerlegen vs. Bestreiten
- Bestreiten means 'to deny' or 'to contest'. If someone says you stole a cookie, you can bestreiten it (say 'I didn't do it'). But you only widerlegen the accusation if you show a video of you being in another room at the time. Bestreiten is a claim; widerlegen is a proof.
Man kann eine Lüge bestreiten, aber man muss sie widerlegen, um die Wahrheit ans Licht zu bringen.
Other alternatives include dementieren (used for official denials by governments or celebrities) and anfechten (to challenge a legal decision or a result). If you want to say that a theory is no longer valid because it's old, you might say it has been überholt.
In summary, widerlegen is the king of factual correction. It stands above simple denial and mere disagreement because it implies the presence of an objective truth that has been uncovered. Use it when you want to sound authoritative and well-informed.
How Formal Is It?
Dato curioso
The prefix 'wider' is a cognate of the English 'with' in 'withstand' or 'withdraw', where it also means 'against'.
Guía de pronunciación
- Stressing the first syllable (WI-der-le-gen) - this is incorrect as it is an inseparable verb.
- Pronouncing 'wider' as 'whider' with an English 'w' sound.
- Not making the 'e' in 'leg' long enough.
- Separating the verb in a sentence (e.g., 'Ich lege es wider').
- Adding a 'ge-' in the past participle (e.g., 'widergelegt').
Nivel de dificultad
Common in newspapers and textbooks, essential for understanding arguments.
Requires knowledge of inseparable verb conjugation (no 'ge-') and accusative objects.
Stress on the second syllable is important for natural-sounding speech.
Must distinguish from 'wieder' contextually, though spelled differently.
Qué aprender después
Requisitos previos
Aprende después
Avanzado
Gramática que debes saber
Inseparable Prefixes (Untrennbare Verben)
widerlegen -> ich widerlege (not: ich lege wider)
Past Participle of Inseparable Verbs
widerlegen -> hat widerlegt (no 'ge-' prefix)
Accusative Case for Direct Objects
Ich widerlege den (Akk.) Irrtum.
Passive Voice with 'werden'
Die Theorie wird durch Fakten widerlegt.
Infinitive with 'zu'
Es ist schwer, diese Behauptung zu widerlegen.
Ejemplos por nivel
Das ist nicht wahr, ich kann das widerlegen.
That is not true, I can disprove that.
Simple present tense use.
Er sagt, er war da, aber das Foto widerlegt das.
He says he was there, but the photo disproves that.
Using a noun (das Foto) as the subject.
Kannst du meine Idee widerlegen?
Can you disprove my idea?
Question with modal verb 'können'.
Die Fakten widerlegen seine Geschichte.
The facts disprove his story.
Plural subject 'die Fakten'.
Ich möchte das Gerücht widerlegen.
I want to refute the rumor.
Infinitive construction with 'möchte'.
Die Wissenschaft widerlegt alte Mythen.
Science disproves old myths.
Abstract subject 'die Wissenschaft'.
Das Experiment widerlegt die Theorie.
The experiment disproves the theory.
Standard SVO sentence.
Er konnte die Vorwürfe nicht widerlegen.
He could not refute the accusations.
Past tense modal 'konnte'.
Wir haben seine Behauptung gestern widerlegt.
We refuted his claim yesterday.
Perfect tense: 'haben ... widerlegt' (no 'ge-').
Es ist leicht, diese Lüge zu widerlegen.
It is easy to refute this lie.
Infinitive with 'zu'.
Die Polizei konnte sein Alibi widerlegen.
The police were able to disprove his alibi.
Modal verb 'konnte' with infinitive at the end.
Neue Daten widerlegen die alten Zahlen.
New data disprove the old figures.
Present tense, plural subject.
Widerlegt das Video deine Aussage?
Does the video disprove your statement?
Interrogative sentence.
Ich werde versuchen, das Vorurteil zu widerlegen.
I will try to refute the prejudice.
Future tense with 'werden' and 'zu' infinitive.
Die Zeitung hat den Bericht heute widerlegt.
The newspaper refuted the report today.
Perfect tense.
Niemand konnte die Wahrheit widerlegen.
No one could disprove the truth.
Negative subject 'niemand'.
In seiner Rede widerlegte er alle Kritikpunkte.
In his speech, he refuted all points of criticism.
Präteritum (simple past).
Um diese Theorie zu widerlegen, braucht man Beweise.
To refute this theory, one needs evidence.
Um...zu clause.
Die Studie hat die Annahme widerlegt, dass Kaffee ungesund ist.
The study refuted the assumption that coffee is unhealthy.
Subordinate clause starting with 'dass'.
Es fällt mir schwer, deine Logik zu widerlegen.
I find it hard to refute your logic.
Idiomatic expression 'es fällt mir schwer'.
Seine Aussagen wurden durch Zeugen widerlegt.
His statements were refuted by witnesses.
Passive voice (Vorgangspassiv).
Man kann diese Tatsachen nicht einfach widerlegen.
One cannot simply disprove these facts.
Modal verb 'kann' with negation.
Die Forschung hat den Mythos bereits widerlegt.
Research has already debunked the myth.
Adverb 'bereits' in perfect tense.
Es gibt keine Beweise, die seine Theorie widerlegen.
There is no evidence that refutes his theory.
Relative clause with 'die'.
Die Ergebnisse der Umfrage widerlegen die Prognose der Experten.
The survey results refute the experts' forecast.
Accusative object 'die Prognose'.
Trotz aller Bemühungen konnte er die Anklage nicht widerlegen.
Despite all efforts, he could not refute the indictment.
Prepositional phrase with 'trotz' (genitive).
Es ist wissenschaftlich erwiesen, dass diese Behauptung widerlegt ist.
It is scientifically proven that this claim is refuted.
Zustandspassiv (state passive) in a 'dass' clause.
Er versuchte vergeblich, das gegen ihn vorliegende Beweismaterial zu widerlegen.
He tried in vain to refute the evidence available against him.
Participle construction 'vorliegende'.
Die Entdeckung des neuen Planeten widerlegte die bisherige Astronomie.
The discovery of the new planet disproved previous astronomy.
Präteritum.
Oft werden Vorurteile erst durch persönliche Begegnungen widerlegt.
Prejudices are often only refuted through personal encounters.
Passive voice with 'werden'.
Können Sie die These widerlegen, dass das Internet uns dümmer macht?
Can you refute the thesis that the internet makes us stupider?
Appositive 'dass' clause.
Die Argumentation des Autors lässt sich leicht widerlegen.
The author's argumentation can easily be refuted.
'Sich lassen' + infinitive as a passive substitute.
Die Quantenphysik hat viele Annahmen der klassischen Mechanik widerlegt.
Quantum physics has refuted many assumptions of classical mechanics.
Scientific register.
Eine einzige Ausnahme genügt, um eine allgemeingültige Regel zu widerlegen.
A single exception is enough to refute a universal rule.
Philosophical context (Popper's falsification).
In seiner Dissertation widerlegt er die gängige Lehrmeinung zur Inflation.
In his dissertation, he refutes the current academic opinion on inflation.
Academic register.
Die Verteidigung präsentierte Dokumente, die die Aussage des Hauptzeugen widerlegten.
The defense presented documents that refuted the main witness's testimony.
Relative clause in Präteritum.
Es ist ein logischer Fehlschluss, zu glauben, dass man eine Negation nicht widerlegen kann.
It is a logical fallacy to believe that a negation cannot be refuted.
Complex sentence structure.
Die Geschichte hat die Hoffnung auf einen ewigen Frieden leider oft widerlegt.
History has unfortunately often disproven the hope for eternal peace.
Metaphorical use.
Seine Theorie galt lange als unumstößlich, bis sie schließlich widerlegt wurde.
His theory was long considered unshakeable until it was finally refuted.
Passive voice with 'wurde'.
Durch akribische Quellenarbeit konnte er die Fälschung widerlegen.
Through meticulous source work, he was able to disprove the forgery.
Advanced vocabulary 'akribisch', 'Quellenarbeit'.
Die ontologische Differenz lässt sich nicht so einfach durch empirische Daten widerlegen.
The ontological difference cannot be so easily refuted by empirical data.
Highly abstract philosophical register.
Es bedarf einer fundierten Argumentationskette, um dieses Dogma zu widerlegen.
It requires a sound chain of arguments to refute this dogma.
Formal expression 'Es bedarf'.
Indem er die Prämissen widerlegte, brachte er das gesamte Gedankengebäude zum Einsturz.
By refuting the premises, he brought the entire intellectual structure to collapse.
Gerundial clause with 'indem'.
Die Widerlegung der Relativitätstheorie würde unser Weltbild grundlegend erschüttern.
The refutation of the theory of relativity would fundamentally shake our world view.
Noun form 'Widerlegung' and Konjunktiv II.
Inwieweit lässt sich die Behauptung widerlegen, dass Sprache das Denken determiniert?
To what extent can the claim be refuted that language determines thought?
Indirect question with 'inwieweit'.
Seine brillanten Replikationen dienten dazu, die Ergebnisse der Konkurrenz zu widerlegen.
His brilliant replications served to refute the competitors' results.
Purpose clause 'dienten dazu ... zu'.
Wer die Existenz des freien Willens widerlegen will, muss neurobiologische Beweise liefern.
Anyone who wants to disprove the existence of free will must provide neurobiological evidence.
Relative clause as subject 'Wer...'.
Die Paradoxien der Quantenmechanik scheinen unsere alltägliche Logik zu widerlegen.
The paradoxes of quantum mechanics seem to refute our everyday logic.
Verb 'scheinen' with 'zu' infinitive.
Sinónimos
Antónimos
Colocaciones comunes
Frases Comunes
— Used when a fact is so obvious or well-proven that no one can argue against it.
Die Erde ist rund; das lässt sich nicht widerlegen.
— A related idiom meaning to prove someone wrong and show them the better/correct way.
Ich dachte, es wäre unmöglich, aber er hat mich eines Besseren belehrt (und meine Zweifel widerlegt).
— To step up and provide the counter-proof to refute something.
Die Firma will nun den Gegenbeweis antreten und die Vorwürfe widerlegen.
— To refute something in a very detailed and comprehensive manner.
Der Bericht widerlegt die Vorwürfe gründlich.
— Refuted in every single aspect or detail.
Seine Theorie wurde in allen Punkten widerlegt.
— To have been disproven a long time ago.
Dieser Mythos ist eigentlich längst widerlegt.
— The standard way of disproving something: using hard facts.
Man muss ihn durch Fakten widerlegen, nicht durch Emotionen.
— To attempt to refute a thesis (often implies the attempt might fail).
Viele haben versucht, seine These zu widerlegen, aber niemand hat es geschafft.
— To refute something beyond any doubt.
Das Video widerlegt seine Version der Ereignisse zweifelsfrei.
— To refute a rigid, unquestioned belief.
Die Reformation widerlegte viele Dogmen der damaligen Zeit.
Se confunde a menudo con
A common spelling error. 'Wieder' means again, but the verb for refuting is 'wider' (against).
Means to contradict. It's a verbal act of disagreement (Dative), while 'widerlegen' is a factual act of proving wrong (Accusative).
Means to resist or withstand. It involves staying strong against a force, not proving a statement false.
Modismos y expresiones
— Lies have short legs. It means lies are easily caught and refuted because they don't get far.
Er dachte, er kommt damit durch, aber Lügen haben kurze Beine und sein Alibi wurde widerlegt.
informal/proverb— To lead something to absurdity. A rhetorical way to widerlegen an argument.
Seine Forderung nach absoluter Freiheit führt sich selbst ad absurdum.
educated— To take the wind out of someone's sails. Often done by refuting their main argument.
Mit diesem Beweis hat sie ihm den Wind aus den Segeln genommen und seine Theorie widerlegt.
figurative— To bring down a house of cards. Refuting a central premise that causes the whole theory to fail.
Die neue Entdeckung brachte sein gesamtes Theorie-Kartenhaus zum Einsturz.
figurative— To pull the floor from under someone's feet. Refuting someone's core belief or argument suddenly.
Die Fakten haben ihm den Boden unter den Füßen weggezogen.
figurative— To have to show one's true colors. Often happens when a lie is widerlegt.
Nachdem sein Alibi widerlegt war, musste er endlich Farbe bekennen.
figurative— To say a final, authoritative word. Often used when a debate is ended by refuting one side.
Der Chef sprach ein Machtwort und widerlegte die Bedenken mit neuen Zahlen.
formal— To bite on granite. What happens when you try to widerlegen something that is actually true and solid.
Er versuchte die Fakten zu widerlegen, biss aber auf Granit.
informal— To tear something apart in the air. To harshly and completely widerlegen an argument or a book.
Die Kritiker haben seinen neuen Roman in der Luft zerrissen und seine Thesen widerlegt.
informal— To hit the nail on the head. Often used when the refutation is perfectly accurate.
Ihre Widerlegung traf den Nagel auf den Kopf.
informalFácil de confundir
Similar prefix sound (wieder vs wider).
Wiederholen means to repeat. Widerlegen means to refute. Both are inseparable verbs, but their meanings are completely unrelated. You repeat a lesson, but you refute a lie.
Können Sie den Satz wiederholen? (Repeat) / Können Sie das Argument widerlegen? (Refute)
Both involve saying something is false.
Bestreiten is simply to deny or contest. Widerlegen is to prove that the denial is based on facts. You can bestreiten an accusation without having any proof, but you can only widerlegen it with evidence.
Er bestreitet die Tat. / Die Kameraaufnahmen widerlegen seine Aussage.
Both involve a 'no' response.
Ablehnen means to reject an offer or an idea because you don't want it. Widerlegen means to show an idea is factually wrong. You can ablehnen a gift, but you widerlegen a theory.
Ich lehne das Angebot ab. / Ich widerlege die Theorie.
Both mean to 'destroy' something.
Vernichten is for physical destruction (to annihilate). Widerlegen is for intellectual destruction (to disprove). You can vernichten a city, but you widerlegen a claim.
Das Feuer vernichtete das Haus. / Die Fakten widerlegten seinen Anspruch.
Very close synonyms.
Entkräften means to take the strength/power out of an argument or suspicion. Widerlegen is more final and absolute. If an argument is widerlegt, it is dead. If it is entkräftet, it is just weak.
Seine Abwesenheit entkräftet den Verdacht. / Die DNA-Probe widerlegt den Verdacht.
Patrones de oraciones
Ich kann [Akkusativ] widerlegen.
Ich kann deine Theorie widerlegen.
[Subjekt] hat [Akkusativ] widerlegt.
Die Studie hat das Gerücht widerlegt.
Es gelang [Dativ] nicht, [Akkusativ] zu widerlegen.
Es gelang dem Anwalt nicht, die Beweise zu widerlegen.
[Akkusativ] lässt sich leicht widerlegen.
Diese Behauptung lässt sich leicht widerlegen.
Durch [Akkusativ] wurde [Nominativ] eindeutig widerlegt.
Durch neue Tests wurde die alte Annahme eindeutig widerlegt.
Anstatt [Akkusativ] zu widerlegen, [Hauptsatz].
Anstatt die Kritik zu widerlegen, ignorierte er sie einfach.
Die Widerlegung von [Genitiv] führt dazu, dass...
Die Widerlegung dieser Prämisse führt dazu, dass das Argument hinfällig ist.
Sollte [Nominativ] widerlegt werden, [Konjunktiv II].
Sollte diese Theorie widerlegt werden, müsste die Physik neu geschrieben werden.
Familia de palabras
Sustantivos
Verbos
Adjetivos
Relacionado
Cómo usarlo
Common in academic, journalistic, and legal texts. Rare in casual slang.
-
Ich lege die Theorie wider.
→
Ich widerlege die Theorie.
'Widerlegen' is an inseparable verb. The prefix never moves to the end of the sentence.
-
Er hat das Argument widergelegt.
→
Er hat das Argument widerlegt.
Inseparable verbs do not take the 'ge-' prefix in the past participle.
-
Ich habe ihm widerlegt.
→
Ich habe seine Aussage widerlegt.
'Widerlegen' takes the accusative case, not the dative. Also, it's better to widerlegen a statement than a person.
-
Wir müssen diese Meinung widerlegen.
→
Wir müssen diese Behauptung widerlegen.
You usually widerlegen factual claims (Behauptungen), not subjective opinions (Meinungen).
-
Wiederlegen (Spelling)
→
Widerlegen
The prefix 'wider-' means against. 'Wieder' means again. The spelling is crucial for the meaning.
Consejos
No 'ge-' in the Past
Always remember that inseparable verbs like 'widerlegen' do not use 'ge-' in the Perfekt. It's 'hat widerlegt', not 'widergelegt'. This is a very common B1/B2 exam trap!
Wider vs. Wieder
Wider = Against. Wieder = Again. Since you are arguing *against* someone, use 'widerlegen'. If you write 'wiederlegen', it looks like you want to 'lay it down again', which makes no sense.
Accusative Only
Widerlegen always needs an object in the accusative. You cannot just 'widerlegen'; you must widerlegen *something* (a theory, a claim, a lie).
Use it in Debates
If you are taking a B2 or C1 speaking exam, use 'widerlegen' when reacting to the other person's points. It sounds much more sophisticated than 'Das sehe ich anders'.
Proof is Key
Only use 'widerlegen' if you are talking about facts. If it's just about a difference of taste (e.g., 'I like pizza'), you cannot 'widerlegen' that.
Stress the Root
In German, prefixes like 'wider-' in inseparable verbs are never stressed. Keep the emphasis on the '-leg-' part to sound like a native.
Passive Voice
In academic writing, use the passive 'wurde widerlegt' to sound more objective. It focuses on the fact that the theory is wrong, not on who proved it.
Think 'Set Against'
If you imagine setting a correct fact right against a false one, the meaning of 'wider-legen' becomes very clear and easy to remember.
Entkräften for Doubts
If you are not 100% sure, or if you just want to make an argument look weak, use 'entkräften'. Save 'widerlegen' for the final knockout blow.
Identify the Case
If you hear a dative object (dem, der), it's probably 'widersprechen'. If you hear an accusative object (den, die, das), it's likely 'widerlegen'.
Memorízalo
Mnemotecnia
Think of 'wider' as 'against' and 'legen' as 'to lay'. You are laying a fact AGAINST a lie to crush it.
Asociación visual
Imagine a courtroom where a lawyer 'lays' a giant 'X' over a false document.
Word Web
Desafío
Try to find one common myth (like 'we only use 10% of our brain') and write a sentence in German explaining that science has widerlegt this.
Origen de la palabra
From Middle High German 'widerlegen'. It combines the prefix 'wider' (against/back) with 'legen' (to lay).
Significado original: Originally meant to 'lay against' or 'set against', specifically in the sense of compensation or counter-argument.
GermanicContexto cultural
Be careful when using it with personal beliefs or religions; 'widerlegen' implies an objective falsity that might be offensive in subjective or spiritual contexts.
English speakers often use 'disprove' or 'refute'. 'Refute' is the closest academic equivalent to 'widerlegen'.
Practica en la vida real
Contextos reales
Science & Research
- eine Hypothese widerlegen
- durch Experimente widerlegt
- wissenschaftliche Widerlegung
- neue Erkenntnisse widerlegen alte
Law & Justice
- ein Alibi widerlegen
- die Anklage widerlegen
- Zeugenaussagen widerlegen
- Beweise widerlegen
Politics & Media
- Fake News widerlegen
- Vorwürfe widerlegen
- Behauptungen des Gegners widerlegen
- Mythen widerlegen
Philosophy & Logic
- ein Argument widerlegen
- einen logischen Fehlschluss widerlegen
- den Skeptizismus widerlegen
- eine These widerlegen
Everyday Life
- ein Gerücht widerlegen
- jemanden widerlegen
- das Gegenteil beweisen
- eine Lüge widerlegen
Inicios de conversación
"Glaubst du, dass die Wissenschaft irgendwann alle Mythen widerlegen kann?"
"Welche berühmte Theorie wurde in den letzten Jahren widerlegt?"
"Wie reagierst du, wenn jemand deine Meinung mit Fakten widerlegt?"
"Ist es wichtig, Vorurteile aktiv zu widerlegen, oder sollte man sie ignorieren?"
"Kannst du mir ein Beispiel für ein Gerücht nennen, das du widerlegt hast?"
Temas para diario
Schreibe über eine Zeit, in der du dachtest, du hättest recht, aber jemand hat deine Aussage widerlegt. Wie hast du dich gefühlt?
Diskutiere die Bedeutung der Widerlegbarkeit in der Wissenschaft. Warum ist es wichtig, dass Theorien widerlegt werden können?
Wähle ein verbreitetes Vorurteil und versuche, es in einem kurzen Text logisch zu widerlegen.
Stell dir vor, du bist ein Anwalt. Wie würdest du versuchen, das Alibi eines Verdächtigen zu widerlegen?
Reflektiere darüber, warum es manchen Menschen so schwerfällt, Fakten zu akzeptieren, die ihre Überzeugungen widerlegen.
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNo, 'widerlegen' is an inseparable verb. You do not separate the 'wider-' from the 'legen'. For example, you say 'Ich widerlege die Theorie' and never 'Ich lege die Theorie wider'. This is a common rule for verbs where 'wider-' means 'against' and the stress is on the root syllable.
The past participle is 'widerlegt'. Because it is an inseparable verb and the stress is not on the first syllable, it does not take the 'ge-' prefix. Example: 'Er hat die Behauptung widerlegt' (He has refuted the claim).
'Widersprechen' (to contradict) takes the dative case and focuses on the act of speaking against someone or something. 'Widerlegen' (to refute) takes the accusative case and focuses on the factual proof that something is false. You can widersprechen an opinion, but you widerlegen a fact.
Usually, you widerlegen a statement, theory, or argument, not a person. However, in a debate, you might hear 'Ich werde dich widerlegen', which is shorthand for 'I will refute your arguments'. It is better to use it with abstract nouns.
It is less common in casual, everyday speech and more common in formal contexts like education, news, and law. In a casual setting, people might say 'Das stimmt nicht' or 'Ich kann beweisen, dass das falsch ist'.
Yes, by definition, 'widerlegen' implies that the refutation is based on evidence or logic. If you just say something is wrong without proof, you are 'bestreiten' (denying) it, not 'widerlegen' (refuting) it.
The noun form is 'die Widerlegung' (feminine). It means 'the refutation'. Example: 'Die Widerlegung der Theorie dauerte Jahre' (The refutation of the theory took years).
Yes, it is very common in the passive voice, especially in scientific writing. Example: 'Die Hypothese wurde widerlegt' (The hypothesis was refuted). This sounds objective and professional.
Common synonyms include 'falsifizieren' (scientific), 'entkräften' (to weaken an argument), and 'dementieren' (official denial). The choice depends on the context and the level of formality.
The stress is on the second syllable: wi-der-LE-gen. The 'i' in 'wi' is long [viː], and the 'e' in 'le' is also long [leː]. Make sure not to stress the 'wi'!
Ponte a prueba 190 preguntas
Schreibe einen Satz mit 'widerlegen' im Perfekt.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Schreibe einen Satz mit 'widerlegen' im Passiv.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Was kann man alles widerlegen? Nenne drei Dinge.
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Erkläre auf Deutsch, was 'widerlegen' bedeutet.
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Benutze 'widerlegen' in einem Satz mit 'um...zu'.
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Schreibe einen Satz über ein wissenschaftliches Experiment.
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Wie reagierst du, wenn jemand eine falsche Behauptung über dich aufstellt? (Benutze 'widerlegen')
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Schreibe einen Satz mit 'unwiderlegbar'.
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Was ist der Unterschied zwischen 'widerlegen' und 'bestreiten'?
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Benutze 'widerlegen' im Präteritum.
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Schreibe einen Satz über einen Mythos.
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Warum ist 'widerlegen' in der Wissenschaft wichtig?
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Schreibe einen Satz mit 'widerlegen' und einem Modalverb.
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Bilde das Substantiv von 'widerlegen' und benutze es in einem Satz.
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Was passiert, wenn ein Alibi widerlegt wird? (Schreibe 2 Sätze)
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Schreibe einen Satz mit 'widerlegen' im Konjunktiv II.
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Benutze das Wort 'eindeutig' zusammen mit 'widerlegen'.
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Schreibe einen kurzen Text (3 Sätze) über eine Debatte.
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Wie sagt man 'to debunk a rumor' auf Deutsch?
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Schreibe einen Satz mit 'falsifizieren'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sprich den Satz nach: 'Ich kann diese Behauptung widerlegen.'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Betone das Wort richtig: 'widerlegen'.
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Dijiste:
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Erkläre laut, warum man ein Alibi widerlegen möchte.
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Dijiste:
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Antworte auf die Frage: 'Wurde die Theorie schon widerlegt?'
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Dijiste:
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Nenne drei Dinge, die man wissenschaftlich widerlegen kann.
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Dijiste:
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Sprich: 'Die Fakten haben ihn widerlegt.'
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Dijiste:
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Was sagst du in einer Debatte, um ein Argument zu entkräften?
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Dijiste:
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Sprich: 'Das ist unwiderlegbar.'
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Dijiste:
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Erkläre den Unterschied zwischen 'widerlegen' und 'wiederholen' laut.
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Dijiste:
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Bilde einen Satz mit 'widerlegen' und 'Beweis'.
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Dijiste:
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Sprich: 'Er konnte die Vorwürfe nicht widerlegen.'
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Dijiste:
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Wie fühlt es sich an, wenn man widerlegt wird? (Sprich darüber)
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Dijiste:
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Sprich: 'Die Widerlegung war erfolgreich.'
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Dijiste:
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Was ist wichtiger: Eine Meinung zu haben oder Fakten zu widerlegen?
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Dijiste:
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Sprich: 'Wissenschaft widerlegt alte Irrtümer.'
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Dijiste:
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Benutze das Wort 'falsifizieren' in einem Satz.
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Dijiste:
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Sprich: 'Das lässt sich nicht so einfach widerlegen.'
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Dijiste:
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Erkläre das Wort 'Widerlegung'.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Sprich: 'Die Beweislage widerlegt den Angeklagten.'
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Dijiste:
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Warum ist 'widerlegen' ein starkes Wort?
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Höre den Satz: 'Ich widerlege das.' Welches Wort hast du gehört?
Höre: 'Die Theorie wurde widerlegt.' Ist die Theorie noch aktuell?
Höre: 'Können Sie das widerlegen?' Ist das eine Frage nach Beweisen?
Höre: 'Das ist unwiderlegbar.' Gibt es eine Diskussion?
Höre: 'Er widerlegte die Vorwürfe.' Hat er gewonnen?
Höre: 'Widerlegen braucht Zeit.' Ist es ein schneller Prozess?
Höre: 'Die Widerlegung war eindeutig.' War es klar?
Höre: 'Man kann nicht alles widerlegen.' Gibt es Grenzen?
Höre: 'Die Studie hat die Annahme widerlegt.' Was hat die Studie gemacht?
Höre: 'Widerlegen Sie bitte diese These.' Ist das eine Aufforderung?
Höre: 'Das Experiment widerlegte die Erwartungen.' Waren die Forscher überrascht?
Höre: 'Seine Logik lässt sich nicht widerlegen.' Ist er klug?
Höre: 'Das Gerücht wurde schnell widerlegt.' Dauerte es lange?
Höre: 'Die Widerlegung der Argumente war brillant.' War die Leistung gut?
Höre: 'Er hat sich selbst widerlegt.' Was ist passiert?
/ 190 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The verb 'widerlegen' is your best tool for intellectually dismantling a false claim. It requires evidence (Beweise) and logic (Logik). For example: 'Die Wissenschaft konnte den Mythos widerlegen' (Science was able to refute the myth).
- Widerlegen means to prove a statement or theory wrong using evidence.
- It is a formal, inseparable verb used in science, law, and debates.
- The past participle is 'widerlegt' (no 'ge-') and it takes the accusative case.
- It differs from 'widersprechen' as it focuses on factual proof rather than verbal disagreement.
No 'ge-' in the Past
Always remember that inseparable verbs like 'widerlegen' do not use 'ge-' in the Perfekt. It's 'hat widerlegt', not 'widergelegt'. This is a very common B1/B2 exam trap!
Wider vs. Wieder
Wider = Against. Wieder = Again. Since you are arguing *against* someone, use 'widerlegen'. If you write 'wiederlegen', it looks like you want to 'lay it down again', which makes no sense.
Accusative Only
Widerlegen always needs an object in the accusative. You cannot just 'widerlegen'; you must widerlegen *something* (a theory, a claim, a lie).
Use it in Debates
If you are taking a B2 or C1 speaking exam, use 'widerlegen' when reacting to the other person's points. It sounds much more sophisticated than 'Das sehe ich anders'.
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