noun

die Meinung, -en

opinion

Eine persönliche Ansicht oder Bewertung zu einem Thema, die von Mensch zu Mensch verschieden sein kann.

Definition & meaning

Die Meinung is an opinion, view, or personal judgment about something. It can refer to what someone thinks about a subject, or to a viewpoint shared by a group.

Depending on context, it can also mean a belief or impression, rather than a conclusion based on established facts.

Grammar & word origin

Meinung is a feminine noun: die Meinung. Its plural is die Meinungen.

It is formed from the verb meinen (“to think” or “to mean”) and the suffix -ung, which forms nouns. The related verb sich eine Meinung bilden means “to form an opinion.”

Synonyms & antonyms

Ansicht — “view” or “opinion”; often interchangeable with Meinung, but can emphasize a particular perspective.
Auffassung — “understanding” or “interpretation”; often suggests a considered way of understanding something.
Standpunkt — “position” or “point of view”; emphasizes someone’s stance on an issue.
Überzeugung — “conviction”; usually a stronger, more firmly held belief than a Meinung.

There is no exact antonym. Tatsache (“fact”) can contrast with Meinung: a fact is presented as objectively true, while an opinion expresses someone’s view.