The author proposes a translation theory based on the formulation and verification of hypotheses in the philosophical style of Karl Popper. The objective is to develop hypotheses and methods for their evaluation at the same time. Various kinds of hypotheses present themselves: interpretation hypotheses (questions of definition and categorization); description hypotheses (generalization questions, for example the universal characteristics of translation); hypotheses of explanation (causal relations between texts and contexts, culture, cognition); and prediction hypotheses (for example the terms for an acceptable translation or a favourable/unfavourable reception). A translation theory like this could successfully combine traditional approaches like linguistic, cultural and prescriptive approaches.