adjective
theoretical, in theory
B1
theoretisch primarily means 'theoretical' (relating to theory) and 'in theory' (true in principle). It's an adjective used attributively and predicatively, gradable: comparative theoretischer, superlative am theoretischsten. Antonym: praktisch. Not a participle; no special prepositions or auxiliary verbs required.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.EXAMPLES
Theoretisch ist das möglich, aber praktisch schwierig.
In theory that's possible, but difficult in practice.
Das Modell war theoretisch richtig, obwohl die Ergebnisse in den Versuchen anders ausfielen.
The model was theoretically correct, although the results in the experiments turned out differently.
Das ist nur eine theoretische Überlegung.
That's just a theoretical consideration.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.DETAILS_LABEL
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.MNEMONICS
Picture a chalkboard full of abstract formulas — that is 'theoretical'.
Sounds like 'theory-tish' — related to theory.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.NOTES
Use 'theoretisch' to contrast ideas with practical implementation (praktisch). It often introduces hypothetical or abstract statements.