Riskante

Riskante is the feminine singular and plural form of the German adjective riskant, meaning risky or dangerous. It is used to describe a feminine noun or multiple nouns in a way that emphasizes potential risk or precariousness. For example, eine riskante Entscheidung (a risky decision) or riskante Situationen (risky situations).

Etymology and form: riskant derives from Risiko (risk) with the adjectival suffix -ant, a pattern common in German to form adjectives that describe characteristic or quality. The base adjective riskant has the positive stem and can take standard German endings: die riskante Lage (feminine singular with a definite article), eine riskante Lage (feminine singular with an indefinite article), riskante Situationen (plural).

Usage and grammar: riskante is used attributively before a noun (die riskante Lage) and in predicative position when combined with sein or similar verbs as riskant (Die Lage ist riskant). When used without an article, the strong declension yields riskante Lage. The predicative form for masculine or neuter nouns is riskant, while feminine nominative and plural share riskante in attributive position.

Nuance and context: riskant often carries a sense of uncertainty or potential downside, distinct from merely dangerous or harmful. It frequently appears in journalism, policy discussions, business, and everyday speech to flag scenarios that require caution or careful handling.

Translations and related terms: English equivalents include risky or precarious in context. Related concepts include Risiko (risk), Risikomanagement (risk management), and riskieren (to risk).

See also: Risiko, Risikomanagement, riskieren, gefährlich, heikel.