Kriteeriumideks

Kriteeriumideks is an Estonian translative form meaning “as criteria” or “into criteria.” It is the translative form of the plural genitive kriteeriumide and is used to designate something as the criteria used in evaluation, selection, or analysis. The form typically appears in formal writing and official documents, not in everyday conversation.

The word is commonly placed after verbs such as määrama, võtma, or seatama in contexts where a set of indicators is being defined or applied. For example: Konkursi korraldamisel on kriteeriumideks kvaliteet, kulu ja ajakava. Kandidaadi valimisel võeti kriteeriumideks haridus, töökogemus ja sobivus. Such constructions show that specific factors are being treated as the standards by which decisions are made.

Etymology: kriteerium comes from Latin criterion through European languages, and the Estonian plural nominative is kriteeriumid. The genitive plural is kriteeriumide, and adding the translative suffix -ks yields kriteeriumideks, meaning “as criteria.” The form is part of a broader pattern in Estonian where translative -ks marks designation or transformation into a new role or state.

Usage notes: kriteeriumideks is most frequent in administrative, academic, and policy contexts. It is often followed by a list or enumeration of specific indicators and can be paired with verbs like võetud, määratud, või kasutatud. In everyday speech, more common alternatives might be “kriteeriumid” (the criteria) or “kriteeriumide alusel” (based on the criteria).