Singular
die
Theorie
theory
Plural: die Theorien
Why does the noun Theorie have the article die?
Nouns ending in -ie are feminine.
Examples
die Philosophie (philosophy), die Biologie (biology), die Demokratie (democracy), die Energie (energy), die Melodie (melody), die Symphonie (symphony)
Declension table for German noun Theorie
How it changes across the four cases.
| Case | Definite | Indefinite | Negative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominativ | die Theorie | eine Theorie | keine Theorie |
| Akkusativ | die Theorie | eine Theorie | keine Theorie |
| Dativ | der Theorie | einer Theorie | keiner Theorie |
| Genitiv | der Theorie | einer Theorie | keiner Theorie |
| Nominativ | die Theorien | Theorien | keine Theorien |
| Akkusativ | die Theorien | Theorien | keine Theorien |
| Dativ | den Theorien | Theorien | keinen Theorien |
| Genitiv | der Theorien | Theorien | keiner Theorien |
Examples in context
Real sentences using Theorie in different cases.
| Case | Definite | Indefinite | Negative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominativ | Die neue Theorie ist sehr komplex.The new theory is very complex. | Eine alte Theorie wurde widerlegt.An old theory has been disproven. | Keine bekannte Theorie kann das erklären.No known theory can explain that. |
| Akkusativ | Ich verstehe die neue Theorie nicht.I don't understand the new theory. | Er entwickelte eine interessante Theorie.He developed an interesting theory. | Ich habe keine eigene Theorie dazu.I have no theory of my own about it. |
| Dativ | Ich stimme der neuen Theorie zu.I agree with the new theory. | Er arbeitet an einer eigenen Theorie.He is working on his own theory. | Ich folge keiner bestimmten Theorie.I don't follow any particular theory. |
| Genitiv | Das ist die Basis der ganzen Theorie.That is the basis of the whole theory. | Die Entwicklung einer neuen Theorie dauert.The development of a new theory takes time. | Bedarf es keiner weiteren Theorie?Is there no need for a further theory? |
| Nominativ | Die modernen Theorien sind umstritten.The modern theories are controversial. | Neue Theorien müssen bewiesen werden.New theories must be proven. | Keine wissenschaftlichen Theorien haben das vorhergesagt.No scientific theories predicted that. |
| Akkusativ | Wir prüfen die bestehenden Theorien.We are examining the existing theories. | Sie stellt kühne Theorien auf.She puts forward bold theories. | Er akzeptiert keine falschen Theorien.He accepts no false theories. |
| Dativ | Er widerspricht den alten Theorien.He contradicts the old theories. | Sie forscht nach neuen Theorien.She researches new theories. | Er vertraut keinen unbewiesenen Theorien.He trusts no unproven theories. |
| Genitiv | Die Gültigkeit der alten Theorien ist fraglich.The validity of the old theories is questionable. | Das ist das Ergebnis verschiedener Theorien.That is the result of different theories. | Trotz keiner neuen Theorien bleibt es unklar.Despite no new theories, it remains unclear. |
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Frequently asked questions
Everything you might wonder about der, die, das — and the Der Artikel app.
Is it der, die, or das Theorie?
It is die Theorie. In German, every noun has a grammatical gender, and Theorie is feminine. You should always learn the article together with the noun to ensure your German grammar is correct.
What CEFR level is the word Theorie?
The German noun Theorie is categorized as Intermediate (B1) vocabulary. It is considered an essential word for learners at this level.
What is the plural of die Theorie?
The plural form of die Theorie is die Theorien. In German, regardless of the singular gender, all plural nouns use the definite article “die.”
What does die Theorie mean in English?
The German word die Theorie translates to “theory” in English.
How do you decline die Theorie?
Like all German nouns, Theorie changes its article depending on the case. In the singular, the forms are:
- Nominativ: die Theorie
- Akkusativ: die Theorie
- Dativ: der Theorie
- Genitiv: der Theorie
These changes are necessary because German uses cases to indicate the noun’s role in a sentence (such as the subject or object). Knowing these forms allows you to build grammatically correct sentences.
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Strong Standard declension — no extra -(e)n. The 96% majority.
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