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Verstehen

Definition of Verstehen

(noun) German word, typically translated as “understanding”, used by Max Weber (1864–1920) to describe the need for “subjective understanding” or the ability to understand individuals or groups from the perspective of the observed; “walk a mile in their shoes”.

Verstehen Pronunciation

Pronunciation Usage Guide

Syllabification: vers·tehen

Audio Pronunciation

– American English
– British English

Related Terms


Works Consulted

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Cite the Definition of Verstehen

ASA – American Sociological Association (5th edition)

Bell, Kenton, ed. 2013. “verstehen.” In Open Education Sociology Dictionary. Retrieved March 28, 2024 (https://sociologydictionary.org/verstehen/).

APA – American Psychological Association (6th edition)

verstehen. (2013). In K. Bell (Ed.), Open education sociology dictionary. Retrieved from https://sociologydictionary.org/verstehen/

Chicago/Turabian: Author-Date – Chicago Manual of Style (16th edition)

Bell, Kenton, ed. 2013. “verstehen.” In Open Education Sociology Dictionary. Accessed March 28, 2024. https://sociologydictionary.org/verstehen/.

MLA – Modern Language Association (7th edition)

“verstehen.” Open Education Sociology Dictionary. Ed. Kenton Bell. 2013. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://sociologydictionary.org/verstehen/>.