Attributivwort

Attributivwort is a term used in linguistic descriptions to denote a word that functions as an attribute within a noun phrase. In German grammar, attributive modifiers appear directly before the noun they modify and form part of the noun phrase. The most common Attributwörter are adjectives that inflect for case, gender and number, but other words such as determiners or participles used adjectivally can also function attributively.

Morphology plays a central role in attributiv usage. German attributive adjectives take endings that reflect the surrounding article and the case, gender, and number of the noun. Examples include: ein roter Ball (indefinite article with mixed endings), das rote Auto (definite article with weak endings), große Häuser (plural). The endings system can vary with definite versus indefinite articles and with strong or mixed declension patterns.

Syntax and function are straightforward: attributivwörter typically occur immediately before the noun they modify and are essential components of the noun phrase. They can coordinate with determiners, possessives and pronouns, as in die kleinen Kinder, meine neuen Nachbarn, or ein altes Buch. They help specify properties such as color, size, origin, or quality.

Distinctions are important for understanding usage. Attributivwörter are contrasted with predicative adjectives, which follow a linking verb and do not form part of the noun phrase. While attributive adjectives frequently carry inflection, predicative adjectives do not influence the noun’s form.

Notes: the exact label Attributivwort is not universally used in all grammars; some descriptions refer to attributive modifiers or attributive adjectives, focusing on function rather than a fixed category.