das Kriterium, Kriterien
criterion
Ein Punkt oder Maßstab, nach dem man etwas bewertet oder entscheidet.
Definition & meaning
- Standard or benchmark: A principle or standard by which something may be judged or decided. It acts as a requirement that must be met to reach a certain conclusion or evaluation.
- Characteristic: A distinctive feature or mark that serves to identify a specific item or group.
Grammar & Word origin
The word is a neuter noun. Its plural form is die Kriterien.
It originates from the Ancient Greek word kritérion (meaning "means for judging"), which stems from krinein (to separate, decide, or judge). In German, it is used primarily in formal, academic, or professional contexts to describe a basis for assessment.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- Maßstab (standard/yardstick)
- Merkmal (characteristic/feature)
- Prüfstein (touchstone/litmus test)
- Bedingung (condition/requirement)
- Anforderung (demand/requirement)
Antonyms:
- (There are no direct antonyms for this term, as it refers to a functional component of judgment. However, in specific contexts, one might contrast it with Beliebigkeit (arbitrariness) when referring to a lack of criteria.)
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Examples
Das ist ein wichtiges Kriterium bei der Auswahl.noun
This is an important criterion in the selection.
Viele Kriterien müssen für dieses Projekt erfüllt sein.noun
Many criteria must be met for this project.
Jedes Kriterium wird sorgfältig geprüft.noun
Each criterion is carefully examined.
Ein Kriterium ist besonders wichtig.noun
A criterion is especially important.
Kosten spielten als Kriterium kaum eine Rolle.noun
Costs hardly played a role as a criterion.
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