Genüge

Genüge is a German noun meaning sufficiency, adequacy, or the thing that satisfies a requirement. It refers to meeting a demand, standard, or expectation and is commonly used in formal, legal, or philosophical language. In everyday speech, speakers typically use synonyms such as Ausreichung or genug instead of Genüge.

Etymology and relation to other forms: Genüge is derived from the verb genügen, which means to suffice or be adequate. The abstract noun form das Genüge is used to denote the state or act of satisfying a requirement. The term has a formal tone and appears frequently in written German, especially in legal texts, administrative language, and ethical discussions.

Usage and examples: The standard expression is Genüge tun, meaning to satisfy or fulfill a requirement. In sentences, one often encounters Es wird dem Anspruch Genüge getan (The claim is satisfied). The phrase can also appear in the past participle form, "Genüge getan," in legal or official writing. Genüge is typically used to describe whether something meets a standard rather than describing the standard itself.

Distinction from related terms: Genüge should not be confused with Genug (enough) or Genugtuung (satisfaction or compensation). Genüge is the specific notion of meeting a requirement, whereas Genug conveys quantity, and Genugtuung refers to personal or formal satisfaction or redress.

In summary, Genüge is a formal noun for sufficiency or adequacy, most often seen in idioms like Genüge tun and in contexts where compliance with a standard or claim is being evaluated.