Hinweisend

Hinweisend is an adjective in German formed from the verb hinweisen (to point out, indicate). It describes something that points to or suggests something else. In ordinary usage, hinweisend means “indicating” or “hinting,” and is used to characterize signs, clues, or statements that point toward a conclusion. The term is most common in formal or written language, including science, journalism, and academic discourse.

Etymology: The word combines the prefix hin- (toward) with weisen (to point out). The present participle hinweisend arises as a form used as an attributive adjective in front of nouns, such as hinweisende Indizien or hinweisende Signale.

Usage: It is primarily used attributively, as in hinweisende Indizien, hinweisende Signale, or hinweisende Hinweise. It can be followed by auf to denote what is being indicated: hinweisend auf eine mögliche Ursache. Predicative use exists but is less common; more natural is to place hinweisend before the noun or to use a construction with auf.

Examples: Die Daten liefern hinweisende Indizien für eine Korrelation. Der Bericht enthält hinweisende Zeichen, die auf eine mögliche Störung hinweisen. Das Ergebnis ist hinweisend auf eine tieferliegende Ursache.

See also: Hinweis, hinweisen, Indiz, Indizien.