Intentionell

Intentionell is an adjective used in several European languages (notably German, Swedish, Norwegian and Danish) to denote something that is intentional, deliberate or done with purpose. The word is formed from intention plus a language-specific adjectival suffix and shares roots with the Latin intentio, broadly relating to the notion of directing the mind toward an aim.

In general usage, intentionell describes actions, decisions or designs carried out knowingly rather than accidentally. In legal contexts it is used to distinguish deliberate conduct from negligent or reckless behavior, which can affect culpability and sanctions. In ethics and moral philosophy the term helps separate intentional harms from unintended consequences, a distinction important for assessing moral responsibility.

In philosophy of mind and cognitive science, intentionell is connected to discussions of intentionality—the capacity of mental states to be about, represent or be directed at things. In literary, art and cultural criticism, it is used when discussing authorial or artistic intent, though debates persist about how much explanatory weight should be given to creators’ intentions.

Related words include intentional, intentionality and intentionalism; usage and nuance can vary by language and disciplinary context. The term often appears in translations and technical writing to emphasize deliberate purpose or designed effect.