Onherkenbare

Onherkenbare is a Dutch adjective meaning unrecognizable. The base form is onherkenbaar, built from the negating prefix on- plus herkennen (to recognize) and the suffix -baar, indicating possibility or capability. The combination expresses that something or someone cannot be recognized. In ordinary use, onherkenbare appears as an attributive modifier before a noun, for example: een onherkenbare verschijning (an unrecognizable appearance) or onherkenbare personen (unrecognizable people). In predicative position, the adjective often remains in the base form, as in Het is onherkenbaar (It is unrecognizable).

Etymology and grammar: The word is formed in the standard Dutch pattern of on- + herkennen + -baar. It functions as an ordinary descriptive adjective and agrees with the noun it modifies in number and, typically, in gender through its attributive form. The form onherkenbare is the common attributive form before a noun. The uninflected form onherkenbaar is used in predicative constructions.

Usage and context: Onherkenbare is widely used in Dutch-language contexts to describe disguise, concealment, damage, or anonymity that prevents recognition. It can appear in journalism, literature, film, and everyday speech. Related phrases include niet te herkennen (not to be recognized) and ambiguous or deceptive expressions that hinder identifiability.

See also: recognition, disguise, anonymity, Dutch adjectives.