Rechnerischer

Rechnerischer is an adjective in German that describes something related to calculation, computation, or numerical estimation. It indicates that a result, method, or property is derived from calculation rather than direct measurement or empirical observation. The term is used across disciplines such as mathematics, physics, statistics, economics, and computer science.

Etymology and usage

The word combines the noun Rech­ner (calculator, computer) with the suffix -isch, forming an adjective meaning calculational or numerical. The related adverb form is rechnerisch gesehen, meaning “calculation-wise” or “from a computational perspective.” In attributive position it inflects like other German adjectives: rechnerischer Aufwand, rechnerische Ergebnisse, rechnerische Wahrscheinlichkeit, rechnerisches Modell.

Contexts and meanings

- In mathematics and statistics, rechnerisch often pertains to quantities obtained by calculation, for example rechnerische Wahrscheinlichkeit (calculated probability) or rechnerische Werte (numerical values).

- In physics or engineering, it can describe quantities estimated through computation rather than measured directly, such as rechnerische Ungenauigkeit (computational error) or rechnerische Streuung.

- In economics and planning, rechnerische Größen refer to derived figures used for decision-making, such as rechnerischer Aufwand (computational effort or estimated cost) or rechnerische Rendite (calculated return).

Relation to other terms

Rechnerisch contrasts with empirisch (empirical, based on observation) and theoretisch (theoretical). It also pairs with numerisch (numeric) and arithmetisch (arithmetic) when distinguishing calculation-based aspects from measurement-based ones.

Grammatical note

As an attributive adjective, rechnerischer can modify masculine or neuter nouns in singular form, and declines according to case and number. The plural form is rechnerische or rechnerische Ergebnisse for feminine and neuter nouns in plural contexts.