Unabhängige

Unabhängige is a German term whose meaning depends on its grammatical use. As an adjective, unabhängig means not controlled or influenced by others, free from dependence, and is used across contexts such as politics, journalism, science, and business. Common phrases include unabhängige Quellen (independent sources), unabhängige Forschung (independent research), and unabhängige Beratung (independent advisory services). In these uses, the word remains lowercase and is declined according to gender, case, and number (unabhängiger, unabhängige, unabhängiges, etc.).

The capitalized form Unabhängige can function as a noun in plural, referring to people or groups who are independent or unaffiliated with a political party, media organization, or other institutions. In politics, for example, Unabhängige or die Unabhängigen can denote independents or an independents’ slate, distinct from party-affiliated candidates. When used as a noun, Unabhängige is capitalized, while the corresponding adjective in ordinary use remains lowercase.

In multilingual and regional contexts, the term is common in Germany, Austria, and parts of Switzerland, where it may describe voters, candidates, or officials not belonging to a formal party. The concept also appears in phrases like unabhängige Medien or unabhängige Justiz, highlighting the connotation of neutrality or lack of outsized influence from external entities.

Translation equivalents include independent, nonpartisan, or self-employed, depending on context. The related noun unabhängigkeits (independence) is used for the broader state of being independent, while Unabhängige as a group name carries a more specific, often political, meaning.