schlüssig 30秒で
- Schlüssig means logical, coherent, and conclusive.
- It is derived from 'Schluss' (conclusion) and implies a complete chain of thought.
- Used frequently in legal, academic, and professional German contexts.
- Commonly modifies nouns like 'Argument', 'Beweis', 'Konzept', and 'Theorie'.
The German adjective schlüssig is a sophisticated term that translates most accurately to 'conclusive', 'coherent', or 'logical'. It originates from the word Schluss (conclusion or end), implying that something has been brought to a point where all parts fit together perfectly, leaving no room for doubt or contradiction. When a German speaker describes an argument, a theory, or a chain of evidence as schlüssig, they are suggesting that the internal logic is so sound that the conclusion follows naturally and inevitably from the premises. It is not merely 'correct'; it is structurally sound and persuasive.
- Core Meaning
- Something that is logically consistent and provides a definitive conclusion without gaps in reasoning.
- Contextual Usage
- Commonly used in legal settings (schlüssige Beweise), academic discourse (eine schlüssige Theorie), and business negotiations (ein schlüssiges Konzept).
In everyday life, you might use it to describe a story someone told you. If the story had plot holes, it wouldn't be schlüssig. If every detail aligned and the ending made perfect sense, you would call it schlüssig. It carries a higher register than 'logisch', which can be used for simple math or common sense; schlüssig implies a more complex structure of thought that has been successfully completed.
Die Argumentation des Anwalts war absolut schlüssig, weshalb die Jury schnell entschied.
Furthermore, the term appears frequently in the compound schlüssiges Handeln (concludent action or implied conduct) in legal contexts. This refers to actions that imply a certain legal intent even without spoken words, such as boarding a bus implying you intend to pay for a ticket. This demonstrates how the word bridges the gap between abstract logic and concrete evidence.
Ohne ein schlüssiges Gesamtkonzept wird die Bank den Kredit nicht bewilligen.
- Synonym comparison
- While 'nachvollziehbar' means 'understandable', 'schlüssig' goes further by meaning 'logically airtight'.
To master this word, one must recognize that it is almost always positive. It denotes quality in thought and presentation. If something is nicht schlüssig, it is flawed, inconsistent, or 'doesn't add up'. In the world of German bureaucracy and law, being schlüssig is the gold standard for any written or spoken submission.
Using schlüssig correctly requires understanding its role as both a predicative and attributive adjective. In its simplest form, you can use it after the verb 'sein' to describe an idea. For example, 'Deine Erklärung ist schlüssig.' (Your explanation is coherent). However, it truly shines when used as an attributive adjective modifying specific nouns that involve reasoning or planning.
- Attributive Usage
- Requires adjective endings: 'Ein schlüssiges Argument' (neuter), 'Eine schlüssige Begründung' (feminine), 'Der schlüssige Beweis' (masculine).
When you are debating or presenting, schlüssig helps you qualify the strength of your logic. You can intensify it with adverbs like 'absolut', 'vollkommen', or 'wenig'. Note that 'wenig schlüssig' is a polite way of saying someone's argument is full of holes.
Ihre Darstellung der Ereignisse war leider nicht ganz schlüssig.
In formal writing, especially in legal or scientific papers, schlüssig is often paired with verbs like 'darlegen' (to explain/present) or 'erscheinen' (to appear). For instance: 'Die dargelegten Fakten erscheinen schlüssig.' This adds a layer of professional scrutiny to the sentence. It suggests that the facts have been evaluated and found to be consistent.
Another important use case is in the negative. While 'unschlüssig' exists, it usually means 'undecided' or 'hesitant' regarding a person's state of mind, rather than the logic of an argument. To say an argument is not logical, it is better to say 'nicht schlüssig' or 'widersprüchlich' (contradictory).
Es fehlt ein schlüssiger Beweis für diese Behauptung.
- Prepositional Phrases
- Often used with 'in sich' (internally): 'Das System ist in sich schlüssig.' (The system is internally consistent).
You will encounter schlüssig in environments where precision of thought is valued. It is a staple of German television crime dramas (Krimis). When the detective is reviewing the case, they might say, 'Das Motiv ist nicht schlüssig' (The motive doesn't make sense/isn't conclusive). It implies that the pieces of the puzzle don't fit the suspect's character or the timeline.
In der Gerichtsverhandlung wurde die schlüssige Beweiskette präsentiert.
In the workplace, particularly in Germany's engineering and tech sectors, schlüssig is used during project reviews. If you are proposing a new software architecture or a marketing strategy, your colleagues will look for a schlüssiges Konzept. This means they want to see that you've thought through every step, from the initial problem to the final implementation, without logical gaps.
- News and Media
- Journalists often use it to critique political speeches: 'Der Kanzler blieb eine schlüssige Antwort schuldig.' (The Chancellor failed to provide a conclusive answer).
Universities are another 'natural habitat' for this word. Professors will use it in their feedback on essays. If your thesis statement is well-supported by your evidence, they will write 'schlüssig argumentiert' in the margins. It is one of the highest forms of praise for academic writing in German, indicating that the student has mastered the art of logical construction.
Finally, in the legal world, the 'Schlüssigkeitsprüfung' (relevancy/conclusiveness test) is a formal stage in civil litigation. The court checks if the facts presented by the plaintiff, if assumed to be true, would actually lead to the requested legal consequence. If the plaintiff's story is not schlüssig, the case can be dismissed immediately. This highlights the word's importance in deciding the outcome of serious life events.
One of the most frequent errors English speakers make is confusing schlüssig with unschlüssig. While they look like simple opposites, their usage patterns differ. Schlüssig describes an argument or a thing, whereas unschlüssig almost always describes a person who cannot make up their mind. If an argument is illogical, don't call it 'unschlüssig'; call it 'nicht schlüssig' or 'unlogisch'.
- False Friend Alert
- Don't confuse 'schlüssig' with 'schließlich'. 'Schließlich' means 'finally' or 'after all', and has nothing to do with logic or conclusiveness.
Another mistake is using schlüssig when you just mean 'easy to understand'. If a set of instructions is clear, use 'verständlich' or 'klar'. Use schlüssig only when there is a logical progression or a conclusion being drawn. It requires a 'Schluss' (conclusion). For example, a recipe isn't usually 'schlüssig', it's just 'einfach'. But a detective's theory about who stole the cookies is 'schlüssig'.
Falsch: Ich bin mir schlüssig, was ich essen will. (Correct: Ich bin mir sicher...)
Learners also struggle with the adjective endings. Because schlüssig ends in '-ig', it follows standard declension rules. However, because it sounds similar to 'flüssig' (liquid/fluent), some learners accidentally swap them. 'Eine flüssige Argumentation' means the speaker talked without stuttering; 'eine schlüssige Argumentation' means the speaker's logic was sound. You can have one without the other!
Finally, avoid overusing it in very casual settings. If you tell a friend their reason for being late is 'schlüssig', you might sound like a judge or a police officer. In casual German, 'Das macht Sinn' (which is actually an anglicism) or 'Das leuchtet mir ein' is more common for everyday logic.
To broaden your vocabulary, it is helpful to look at words that occupy the same semantic space as schlüssig. Depending on the nuance you want to convey, one of these might be more appropriate.
- Logisch
- The most direct synonym. Use this for general logic, mathematics, or common sense. 'Schlüssig' is more about the *completeness* and *persuasiveness* of a chain of logic.
- Stringent
- Very formal. It means 'compelling' or 'strictly logical'. Use this in high-level academic or legal writing to describe a line of reasoning that is very tight.
- Nachvollziehbar
- Literally 'traceable'. This means someone can follow your train of thought. Something can be 'nachvollziehbar' even if it's not 'schlüssig' (e.g., I understand *why* you are angry, even if your logic is flawed).
Vergleich: 'Das ist logisch' (That's logical) vs. 'Das ist schlüssig' (That's a sound, complete argument).
In business contexts, you might hear konsistent. This refers to things that don't contradict each other over time. If your story changes every day, it's not 'konsistent'. If your story today makes sense and leads to a clear conclusion, it's schlüssig. Another alternative is überzeugend (convincing). While schlüssig focuses on the internal logic, überzeugend focuses on the effect it has on the listener.
Lastly, consider plausibel. This is used when something *could* be true. It's a weaker claim than schlüssig. If a suspect has a 'plausible' alibi, it's believable. If they have a 'schlüssiges' alibi, the logic is so strong it practically proves they weren't there.
How Formal Is It?
豆知識
The root 'schließ-' is related to the English word 'slot' and 'close'. The idea is that a 'schlüssig' argument 'locks' the case shut.
発音ガイド
- Pronouncing 'ü' like 'u' (should be rounded).
- Pronouncing 'sch' like 's'.
- Confusing the '-ig' ending with '-lich'.
- Stressing the second syllable.
- Mixing it up with 'schließlich'.
難易度
Common in newspapers and books, requires understanding of nuance.
Using it correctly with noun endings and in the right context is tricky.
Useful for debates, but 'logisch' is often easier to reach for.
Easily recognized once you know the root 'Schluss'.
次に学ぶべきこと
前提知識
次に学ぶ
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レベル別の例文
Der Plan ist schlüssig.
The plan is logical/makes sense.
Predicative use of the adjective (no ending).
Das ist eine schlüssige Antwort.
That is a conclusive answer.
Attributive use with a feminine noun (ending -e).
Seine Idee war schlüssig.
His idea was logical.
Past tense with 'war'.
Ist das schlüssig?
Does that make sense?
Interrogative sentence.
Die Geschichte ist nicht schlüssig.
The story is not coherent.
Negation with 'nicht'.
Ein schlüssiger Satz.
A coherent sentence.
Attributive use with masculine noun (ending -er).
Alles ist schlüssig.
Everything is logical.
Pronoun 'alles' as subject.
Das klingt schlüssig.
That sounds logical.
Verb 'klingen' used as a linking verb.
Wir brauchen ein schlüssiges Konzept.
We need a coherent concept.
Attributive use with a neuter noun (ending -es).
Deine Erklärung klingt für mich schlüssig.
Your explanation sounds logical to me.
Use of 'für mich' to express opinion.
Er konnte keine schlüssige Antwort geben.
He could not give a conclusive answer.
Negation with 'keine'.
Der Beweis war absolut schlüssig.
The proof was absolutely conclusive.
Adverbial intensifier 'absolut'.
Das ist ein schlüssiger Beweis.
That is conclusive proof.
Masculine nominative ending -er.
Die Argumente sind schlüssig.
The arguments are logical.
Plural subject.
Ich finde das nicht schlüssig.
I don't find that logical.
Verb 'finden' to express judgment.
Suchen Sie eine schlüssige Lösung.
Look for a conclusive solution.
Imperative with 'Sie'.
Die Argumentation des Autors ist schlüssig.
The author's argumentation is coherent.
Genitive 'des Autors'.
Es gibt keine schlüssige Erklärung für dieses Phänomen.
There is no conclusive explanation for this phenomenon.
Preposition 'für' + accusative.
Das System ist in sich schlüssig.
The system is internally consistent.
Idiomatic 'in sich' (within itself).
Wir müssen schlüssig begründen, warum wir mehr Geld brauchen.
We must logically justify why we need more money.
Adverbial use (no ending).
Die Polizei hat eine schlüssige Theorie zum Tathergang.
The police have a coherent theory of the crime.
Compound noun 'Tathergang'.
Ohne schlüssige Beweise können wir nichts tun.
Without conclusive evidence, we can't do anything.
Preposition 'ohne' + accusative.
Das klingt zwar gut, ist aber nicht ganz schlüssig.
That sounds good, but it's not entirely logical.
Conjunction 'zwar... aber'.
Eine schlüssige Beweiskette führte zur Verurteilung.
A conclusive chain of evidence led to the conviction.
Noun 'Beweiskette' (chain of evidence).
Die Schlüssigkeit Ihrer Argumente hat uns überzeugt.
The coherence of your arguments convinced us.
Noun form 'Schlüssigkeit'.
Es mangelt dem Bericht an einer schlüssigen Struktur.
The report lacks a coherent structure.
Verb 'mangeln' + dative object + 'an'.
Das Gericht prüft die Schlüssigkeit der Klage.
The court is examining the conclusiveness of the lawsuit.
Legal term 'Schlüssigkeitsprüfung'.
Ein schlüssiges Handeln wird hier vorausgesetzt.
Implied conduct is assumed here.
Legal term 'schlüssiges Handeln'.
Trotz der Indizien fehlt ein schlüssiges Motiv.
Despite the circumstantial evidence, a conclusive motive is missing.
Preposition 'trotz' + genitive.
Die Theorie ist zwar elegant, aber nicht zwingend schlüssig.
The theory is elegant, but not necessarily conclusive.
Adverb 'zwingend' (necessarily/compellingly).
Wir benötigen eine schlüssige Begründung für die Ablehnung.
We need a conclusive justification for the rejection.
Noun 'Ablehnung' (rejection).
Die Handlung des Films war wenig schlüssig.
The plot of the movie was not very coherent.
Adverb 'wenig' as a soft negation.
Die Beweisführung war so schlüssig, dass kein Zweifel blieb.
The presentation of evidence was so conclusive that no doubt remained.
Result clause with 'so... dass'.
Durch schlüssiges Handeln kam der Vertrag zustande.
The contract was concluded through implied conduct.
Legal context: 'Zustandekommen eines Vertrages'.
Das Gutachten ist in sich nicht vollkommen schlüssig.
The expert opinion is not entirely consistent within itself.
Noun 'Gutachten' (expert report/opinion).
Seine Ausführungen entbehrten jeglicher schlüssigen Logik.
His remarks lacked any conclusive logic.
Verb 'entbehren' + genitive.
Es ist schwer, eine schlüssige Kausalkette nachzuweisen.
It is difficult to prove a conclusive causal chain.
Noun 'Kausalkette' (causal chain).
Die Schlüssigkeit der Argumentation ist ein Qualitätsmerkmal.
The coherence of the argumentation is a mark of quality.
Compound noun 'Qualitätsmerkmal'.
Die dargelegten Fakten fügen sich zu einem schlüssigen Bild zusammen.
The presented facts fit together into a coherent picture.
Reflexive verb 'sich zusammenfügen'.
Eine schlüssige Darlegung der Sachlage ist unerlässlich.
A conclusive presentation of the facts is essential.
Adjective 'unerlässlich' (essential).
Die diskursive Schlüssigkeit seiner Philosophie wird oft debattiert.
The discursive coherence of his philosophy is often debated.
Academic adjective 'diskursiv'.
Das Werk besticht durch seine innere Schlüssigkeit.
The work impresses with its internal consistency.
Verb 'bestechen durch' (to impress with).
Ohne die Schlüssigkeit der Prämisse bricht das gesamte System zusammen.
Without the conclusiveness of the premise, the entire system collapses.
Noun 'Prämisse' (premise).
Die juristische Schlüssigkeitsprüfung ist eine Hürde für viele Kläger.
The legal relevancy test is a hurdle for many plaintiffs.
Complex compound 'Schlüssigkeitsprüfung'.
Seine Replik war weder schlüssig noch sachlich fundiert.
His rebuttal was neither conclusive nor factually grounded.
Correlative conjunction 'weder... noch'.
Man vermisste die schlüssige Herleitung der Ergebnisse.
The conclusive derivation of the results was missing.
Noun 'Herleitung' (derivation/deduction).
Eine schlüssige Argumentationslinie ist das A und O jeder Dissertation.
A coherent line of argument is the be-all and end-all of every dissertation.
Idiom 'das A und O' (the most important thing).
Die Stringenz und Schlüssigkeit seines Vortrags waren beispiellos.
The stringency and coherence of his lecture were unparalleled.
Noun 'Stringenz' used as a synonym.
よく使う組み合わせ
よく使うフレーズ
— That doesn't make sense or is logically flawed.
Deine Geschichte hat zu viele Fehler; das ist nicht schlüssig.
— To draw a logical conclusion.
Am Ende der Studie konnten wir ein schlüssiges Fazit ziehen.
— To explain something logically and clearly.
Er konnte seinen Standpunkt schlüssig darlegen.
— To fail to provide a logical answer.
Der Politiker blieb eine schlüssige Antwort schuldig.
— To argue in a logical and persuasive way.
Sie hat in ihrer Hausarbeit sehr schlüssig argumentiert.
— To check the logic or validity of something.
Bevor wir zustimmen, müssen wir die Schlüssigkeit prüfen.
— A piece of evidence that proves a point beyond doubt.
Die Videoaufnahme war ein schlüssiger Beweis.
— To come together to form a logical picture.
Langsam fügten sich die Hinweise zu einem schlüssigen Bild zusammen.
— To make a well-founded and logical judgment.
Der Richter fällte ein schlüssiges Urteil.
慣用句と表現
— A coherent whole where everything fits together.
Die verschiedenen Abteilungen müssen ein schlüssiges Ganzes bilden.
formal— To be well-thought-out (related idiom).
Dein Plan hat Hand und Fuß, er ist wirklich schlüssig.
informal— To find the logical thread (related idiom).
Wenn die Argumentation schlüssig ist, findet man den roten Faden leicht.
neutral— To put two and two together (related idiom).
Er zählte eins und eins zusammen und fand eine schlüssige Lösung.
informal— To get to the heart of the matter (related idiom).
Sie hat das Problem schlüssig auf den Punkt gebracht.
neutral— To be seamless/consistent (related idiom).
Das Design des Autos ist schlüssig und wie aus einem Guss.
neutral— To leave no questions unanswered (related idiom).
Seine Erklärung war so schlüssig, dass sie keine Fragen offen ließ.
neutral— To be coherent within itself.
Das Konzept muss in sich stimmig und schlüssig sein.
neutral— To make sense of something (related idiom).
Erst mit diesem Detail wird ein schlüssiger Schuh daraus.
informal— To be on solid ground/well-founded.
Seine Argumente sind schlüssig und stehen auf festem Boden.
neutral語族
名詞
動詞
形容詞
関連
暗記しよう
記憶術
Think of a 'Schlüssel' (key). A 'schlüssig' argument is like a key that fits the lock perfectly. If it fits, the case is closed!
視覚的連想
Imagine a detective putting the final piece into a jigsaw puzzle. The puzzle is now 'schlüssig' because it's complete and makes sense.
Word Web
チャレンジ
Try to describe your favorite movie plot using 'schlüssig' or 'nicht schlüssig'. Explain why the ending made sense or why it didn't.
語源
Derived from the Middle High German 'slüzzec', which meant 'belonging to a lock' or 'locking'. Over time, the meaning shifted from a physical closing to a mental closing or conclusion.
元の意味： Related to locking or closing something securely.
Germanic (High German).文化的な背景
No specific sensitivities; it is a neutral, intellectual term.
English speakers might say 'it adds up' or 'it holds water'. 'Schlüssig' is more formal than these idioms.
Summary
The word 'schlüssig' is the gold standard for logical consistency in German. Use it to describe an argument or plan that is so well-structured that the conclusion is undeniable. Example: 'Ein schlüssiges Argument lässt keine Fragen offen.'
- Schlüssig means logical, coherent, and conclusive.
- It is derived from 'Schluss' (conclusion) and implies a complete chain of thought.
- Used frequently in legal, academic, and professional German contexts.
- Commonly modifies nouns like 'Argument', 'Beweis', 'Konzept', and 'Theorie'.
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