C1 Expression Very Formal 3 min read

Die Likelihood-Funktion wurde maximiert durch

The likelihood function was maximized through

Literally: The likelihood-function was maximized through

In 15 Seconds

  • A technical phrase for finding the best model fit.
  • Used in data science, statistics, and academic research.
  • Followed by the method used for the optimization.

Meaning

This phrase is used in statistics and data science to explain that a model's parameters were found by making the observed data as likely as possible. It is the formal way of saying you found the 'perfect fit' for your mathematical model.

Key Examples

3 of 6
1

Writing an academic paper

Die Likelihood-Funktion wurde maximiert durch den Einsatz des Newton-Raphson-Verfahrens.

The likelihood function was maximized through the use of the Newton-Raphson method.

2

In a data science team meeting

Die Likelihood-Funktion wurde maximiert durch die Anpassung der Hyperparameter.

The likelihood function was maximized through the adjustment of the hyperparameters.

3

Texting a fellow PhD student

Endlich! Die Likelihood-Funktion wurde maximiert durch den neuen Algorithmus.

Finally! The likelihood function was maximized through the new algorithm.

🌍

Cultural Background

There is a strong emphasis on 'Sachlichkeit' (objectivity). Using the passive voice is not just a grammatical choice but a cultural one to show that the results are independent of the researcher. In the startup scene, 'Denglisch' is the norm. You might hear 'Wir müssen die Likelihood maximieren' mixed with English sentences. Swiss technical reports often use very precise, almost dry language. This phrase fits perfectly into the Swiss 'Präzisionskultur'. Austrian academic traditions are similar to German ones but sometimes use slightly more traditional terms. However, 'Likelihood' remains the standard in modern statistics.

🎯

Use the Hyphen

Always write 'Likelihood-Funktion' with a hyphen. It's a compound noun with a loanword, and the hyphen makes it much easier to read.

⚠️

Don't say 'Wahrscheinlichkeit'

If you are in a math exam, using 'Wahrscheinlichkeit' instead of 'Likelihood' can actually cost you points because they are mathematically distinct.

In 15 Seconds

  • A technical phrase for finding the best model fit.
  • Used in data science, statistics, and academic research.
  • Followed by the method used for the optimization.

What It Means

Imagine you are a detective. You have clues but no suspect. You try different stories to see which one fits. One story makes the clues make perfect sense. In statistics, this is called Maximum Likelihood Estimation. You have data points. You have a mathematical model. You want the model to explain the data perfectly. Die Likelihood-Funktion wurde maximiert durch tells everyone you found that peak. You found the most likely explanation for your data. It is the mathematical 'sweet spot'.

How To Use It

You will mostly see this in technical reports. It usually starts with the subject. Then comes the verb wurde maximiert. Finally, you add durch and your specific method. For example, use durch numerische Optimierung. It sounds very professional and objective. You are showing your work to others. It is a passive construction. This is standard for scientific writing in Germany. It keeps the focus on the math, not the person. Always follow durch with a noun phrase. Do not use a full sub-clause here.

When To Use It

Use this in your Master’s thesis. Use it during a data science sprint. It fits perfectly in a research paper. If you work in AI, use it daily. It shows you know your advanced math. Your colleagues will respect your technical precision. It is great for formal documentation. Even in a serious business meeting, it works well. It signals that your results are mathematically sound.

When NOT To Use It

Do not use this at a bar. Your friends will think you are a robot. Avoid it in casual texts. It is too heavy for small talk. Don't use it for simple everyday things. You don't maximize the likelihood of a pizza order. Unless you are a very dedicated nerd. Keep it for the lab or the office. It is strictly for the world of data.

Cultural Background

Germany is famous for engineering and precision. We love Gründlichkeit or thoroughness. This phrase embodies that spirit perfectly. It is about finding the absolute best solution. In the 20th century, German mathematicians led the world. Today, the Berlin tech scene uses this phrase constantly. It bridges the gap between old math and new AI. It is a badge of expertise. Using it correctly shows you belong in the Fachwelt. Being smart is always in style in German offices.

Common Variations

You might hear Maximierung der Likelihood. Some people say MLE-Schätzung for short. In casual tech talk, they might use more English. But the German version stays in formal papers. You can also say Die Log-Likelihood wurde maximiert. This is common for easier calculations. It all leads to the same mathematical goal. It just depends on how specific you want to be.

Usage Notes

This is a highly formal, technical expression. It follows the passive voice conventions of German academic writing. Use it exclusively in professional or scientific contexts involving data analysis.

🎯

Use the Hyphen

Always write 'Likelihood-Funktion' with a hyphen. It's a compound noun with a loanword, and the hyphen makes it much easier to read.

⚠️

Don't say 'Wahrscheinlichkeit'

If you are in a math exam, using 'Wahrscheinlichkeit' instead of 'Likelihood' can actually cost you points because they are mathematically distinct.

💬

Passive is King

In German papers, avoid 'Ich' or 'Wir'. Stick to 'Die Likelihood-Funktion wurde maximiert' to sound like a pro.

Examples

6
#1 Writing an academic paper

Die Likelihood-Funktion wurde maximiert durch den Einsatz des Newton-Raphson-Verfahrens.

The likelihood function was maximized through the use of the Newton-Raphson method.

This is the gold standard for formal scientific writing.

#2 In a data science team meeting

Die Likelihood-Funktion wurde maximiert durch die Anpassung der Hyperparameter.

The likelihood function was maximized through the adjustment of the hyperparameters.

Common in modern tech environments and AI development.

#3 Texting a fellow PhD student

Endlich! Die Likelihood-Funktion wurde maximiert durch den neuen Algorithmus.

Finally! The likelihood function was maximized through the new algorithm.

Even in texts, the phrase remains technical but shows relief.

#4 A nerdy joke among statisticians

Mein Kaffeekonsum wurde maximiert durch die Deadline, genau wie die Likelihood-Funktion!

My coffee consumption was maximized by the deadline, just like the likelihood function!

A play on words using the formal structure for a funny situation.

#5 Explaining a model to a supervisor

Wie Sie sehen, wurde die Likelihood-Funktion maximiert durch eine robuste Schätzmethode.

As you can see, the likelihood function was maximized through a robust estimation method.

Used to justify the validity of your results.

#6 Frustrated comment during a long coding session

Warum wurde die Likelihood-Funktion nicht maximiert durch diesen Code?

Why wasn't the likelihood function maximized through this code?

Expressing technical frustration when a model fails to converge.

Test Yourself

Füllen Sie die Lücke mit der richtigen Präposition.

Die Likelihood-Funktion wurde ___ die Wahl der optimalen Parameter maximiert.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: durch

'Durch' is the standard preposition to indicate the means or method in this formal context.

Welcher Satz ist grammatikalisch korrekt und fachlich angemessen?

Wählen Sie die beste Option:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Die Likelihood-Funktion wurde durch den Algorithmus maximiert.

This uses the correct passive voice and prepositional structure.

Vervollständigen Sie den Dialog in einer Masterprüfung.

Professor: 'Wie sind Sie zu diesen Ergebnissen gekommen?' Student: 'Ich habe ein statistisches Modell verwendet. Dabei ___.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: wurde die Likelihood-Funktion durch numerische Verfahren maximiert

This is the most formal and technically accurate response.

Verbinden Sie die deutschen Begriffe mit ihren englischen Entsprechungen.

Begriffe zuordnen:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Likelihood-Funktion : Likelihood function

These are direct technical translations.

🎉 Score: /4

Visual Learning Aids

Practice Bank

4 exercises
Füllen Sie die Lücke mit der richtigen Präposition. Fill Blank B2

Die Likelihood-Funktion wurde ___ die Wahl der optimalen Parameter maximiert.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: durch

'Durch' is the standard preposition to indicate the means or method in this formal context.

Welcher Satz ist grammatikalisch korrekt und fachlich angemessen? Choose C1

Wählen Sie die beste Option:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Die Likelihood-Funktion wurde durch den Algorithmus maximiert.

This uses the correct passive voice and prepositional structure.

Vervollständigen Sie den Dialog in einer Masterprüfung. dialogue_completion C1

Professor: 'Wie sind Sie zu diesen Ergebnissen gekommen?' Student: 'Ich habe ein statistisches Modell verwendet. Dabei ___.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: wurde die Likelihood-Funktion durch numerische Verfahren maximiert

This is the most formal and technically accurate response.

Verbinden Sie die deutschen Begriffe mit ihren englischen Entsprechungen. Match B1

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Likelihood-Funktion : Likelihood function

These are direct technical translations.

🎉 Score: /4

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Es ist ein Anglizismus, der in der Fachsprache (Statistik) fest etabliert ist. Es gibt kein direktes deutsches Äquivalent, das die gleiche mathematische Präzision hat.

Ja, 'optimiert' ist ein Oberbegriff. Da man in der Statistik die Likelihood aber immer vergrößern will, ist 'maximiert' präziser.

'Durch' beschreibt den Prozess oder das Mittel (the 'how'), während 'mit' oft ein Werkzeug beschreibt. In der Mathematik ist der Prozess entscheidend.

Das ist der natürliche Logarithmus der Likelihood-Funktion. Man maximiert ihn oft, weil es mathematisch einfacher ist (aus Produkten werden Summen).

Ja, da es im Deutschen als Substantiv verwendet wird, schreibt man es groß.

Ja, oft schreibt man einfach 'MLE' für Maximum Likelihood Estimation, auch im Deutschen.

Nein, man maximiert die Likelihood. Wenn man sie minimieren will, spricht man von der 'Negative Log-Likelihood'.

Nein, außer Sie arbeiten in der Wissenschaft, im Ingenieurwesen oder in der Datenanalyse.

The likelihood function was maximized by...

Es ist feminin: {die|f} Likelihood.

Related Phrases

🔗

Maximum-Likelihood-Schätzer

specialized form

The actual value that maximizes the function.

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Log-Likelihood-Funktion

similar

The natural logarithm of the likelihood function.

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Güte der Anpassung

builds on

Goodness of fit.

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Iterative Optimierung

specialized form

The process of maximizing the function step-by-step.

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