Konvertierende

Konvertierende is a German term with multiple uses. In grammar, it is the present participle of konvertieren, meaning “converting” or “in the process of conversion.” It can function as a non-finite verb form or as a modifier. For example, “konvertierende Dateien” describes files that are in the process of being converted; “ein konvertierendes System” describes a system performing conversion. The form declines like an adjective: “die konvertierenden Dateien,” “ein konvertierendes Modell.” When capitalized as a noun, Konvertierende refers to a person who has converted, as in religious or ideological contexts; the plural is “die Konvertierenden,” and the singular can be “der Konvertierende” (masculine) or “die Konvertierende” (feminine).

In linguistics, Konversion (or Konvertierung) is the process of forming a new word class without affixation. The related participle konvertierend describes an ongoing conversion process in descriptive prose, and konvertierende can appear as an attributive adjective in such contexts.

Usage notes are that the meaning of Konvertierende depends on capitalization and context: as an adjective, it denotes ongoing conversion; as a noun, it denotes people who have converted. The term is encountered in grammatical descriptions, sociolinguistic discussions of language change, and historical or religious studies when referring to individuals who have undergone a conversion.

See also: Konversion, Konvertierung, Konvertieren.