Bedenkenswert

Bedenkenswert is an adjective used primarily in German to indicate that something deserves careful consideration or is noteworthy. The term is a compound of bedenk- (to reflect, to consider) and wert (worth). It has its roots in historical German language and remains common in modern, formal, or analytical writing.

Usage and nuance: Bedenkenswert signals that a proposal, argument, fact, or observation merits weighing before drawing a conclusion. It carries a neutral to cautious tone, often introducing a caveat or additional considerations. For example, one might say: Der Vorschlag ist bedenkenswert, doch müssen Kosten und Risiken geprüft werden. In English: The proposal is worthy of consideration, though the costs and risks must be examined.

Relation to similar terms: It is closely related to beachtenswert (worthy of notice) and bemerkenswert (remarkable or noteworthy). Bedenkenswert differs from bedenklich, which conveys doubt or something problematic rather than simply deserving consideration.

Etymology: The word combines bedenk- (from bedenken, to reflect or consider) with wert (worth), reflecting the concept of something having value that merits thought. Its formation is typical of German compound adjectives.

Usage notes: Bedenkenswert is common in essays, reports, journalism, and academic critique. It conveys a measured stance rather than an outright judgment and is often used to frame a point that invites further scrutiny.

See also: bemerktenswert, beachtenswert, bemerkenswert, noteworthiness, noteworthy. In translation, equivalents include “worthy of consideration” and “worth considering.”