Gefürchtete

Gefürchtete is a German noun meaning “the feared ones” or “the feared.” It refers to a group or individuals who are regarded with fear by others. The singular form is der Gefürchtete and the plural die Gefürchteten. The term is typically used as a nominalized form of an adjective derived from the verb fürchten (to fear), and it can function as a collective designation rather than a precise label.

Usage and contexts vary. In historical or sociopolitical contexts, Gefürchtete may describe groups considered dangerous or intimidating by rivals, authorities, or bystanders. In folklore, legend, and literature, the phrase is often employed to evoke threat or menace, sometimes as a faction name or as a descriptor for antagonists, raiders, or rival powers. In modern writing, it can serve as a stylistic epithet that emphasizes perception and reputation rather than objective status.

Variants and nuance. Gefürchtete typically carries a negative or ominous connotation, signaling power, ruthlessness, or unpredictability. The related forms include gefürchtet as a standard adjective and das Gefürchtete when used in a neuter noun sense to refer to that which is feared in a general context.

See also. Related German terms that convey social judgment include Geächtete (the ostracized) and Gesuchte (the sought). The precise meaning of Gefürchtete depends on context, authorial intent, and the surrounding text, making it a flexible label in storytelling and descriptive prose.