Identifitseeruv

Identifitseeruv is an Estonian adjective that describes something that can be identified. It is used for properties, data, or features that allow the identification of a person, object, or phenomenon. The term is common in technical, data protection, and privacy discussions to indicate identifiability, as opposed to non-identifiable or anonymous.

Etymology and formation: Identifitseeruv is formed from the verb identifitseerima (to identify) with the suffix -uv, which yields an adjective expressing capability or potential. The word reflects a typical Estonian pattern where a verb-based root plus -uv denotes something that is capable of undergoing or producing the action of the verb—in this case, being identifiable.

Usage and examples: In contemporary Estonian, identifitseeruv describes information, attributes, or features that could be used to identify an individual or entity. In data protection discourse, phrases such as identifitseeruv teave (identifying information) or identifitseeruv märge (identifying mark) are used. The term is also employed more generally to denote distinguishing characteristics that allow someone or something to be recognized.

Related terms: The concept is closely related to identifikatsioon (identification), tuvastamine (recognition/verification), and isikuandmed (personal data). While identifitseeruv focuses on what can be identified, related terms describe the processes or categories involved in identification and personal data handling.