Absicht

Absicht is a German noun meaning intention, purpose, or aim. It describes a mental state in which a person plans to bring about a future event. In everyday language one can say: "Ich habe die Absicht, morgen zu reisen." The phrase "mit Absicht" denotes deliberate action, while "absichtlich" functions as an adverb meaning intentionally. Conversely, "ohne Absicht" or "aus Versehen" expresses that something happened without intent.

Etymology and usage have their roots in the German language, with the noun appearing in the Middle High German period. The form is built from components that convey a directed view toward a future outcome, hence the sense of a planned or desired result. Today, Absicht remains closely tied to concepts of planning and motive in both everyday speech and more formal discourse.

In philosophy and cognitive science, Absicht is often discussed as a constituent of intentional action and decision making. It contrasts with related notions such as Ziel (goal), Plan (scheme for achieving an outcome), and Motivation (your underlying drive). While a Ziel may be a concrete endpoint, Absicht emphasizes the volitional commitment to act in a certain way to realize that endpoint.

Grammar and related forms: Absicht is feminine, with plural Absichten. The adjective form is absichtlich, meaning deliberate or intentionally, and absichtslos can describe something done without a conscious intention in some contexts. In legal and ethical discussions, the term is closely related to Vorsatz or intentionality, referring to a deliberate mental state behind an act.

See also: intention, purpose, motive, goal, plan.