Prädikativiert

Prädikativiert is a German grammatical term that describes the process of using a word or phrase in a predicative position, meaning it functions as a predicate, typically following a linking verb. This is most commonly seen with adjectives, but can also apply to nouns, pronouns, or even adverbs. The essential characteristic of a predicative element is that it describes or identifies the subject of the sentence.

For example, in the sentence "Der Hund ist groß," the adjective "groß" is predicative. It follows the linking verb "ist" and describes the subject "Der Hund." Similarly, in "Sie ist Ärztin," the noun "Ärztin" functions predicatively, identifying the subject "Sie."

The term "prädikativiert" emphasizes the function rather than the inherent grammatical class of the word. A word that might normally function as an attribute (e.g., modifying a noun directly before it) can become predicative when placed after a linking verb. The distinction is important in German grammar for understanding sentence structure and the roles of different word classes. It highlights how a word's position and relationship to other sentence elements determine its grammatical role.