Unabhängiger

Unabhängiger is a German term that denotes an independent person or thing. As a noun, it refers to someone who is not affiliated with a political party or organization or who operates without external influence. The masculine form is der Unabhängige, the feminine die Unabhängige, and the plural die Unabhängigen; indefinite forms include ein Unabhängiger and eine Unabhängige.

In politics, the designation Unabhängiger is commonly used for independent candidates or lawmakers who sit without party membership. It signals non-partisan status and can appear on ballots, in parliamentary lists, or in media coverage. The term is often contrasted with party-affiliated politicians.

Outside politics, the word and its related adjective un unabhängig is not correct; the proper adjective is unabhängig. It is used in neutral, non-partisan senses. Phrases such as unabhängige Experten (independent experts), unabhängige Berichterstattung (independent reporting), and unabhängige Prüfungen (independent audits) illustrate its broad applicability. In everyday language, it can describe actions or conclusions that are free from undue influence.

Etymology: from un- (not) + abhängig (dependent). The noun form Unabhängiger is common in German and may be used with various gender forms and in the plural.

Overall, Unabhängiger functions as a label of non-affiliation in political contexts and as a general marker of independence in other domains, reflecting the core idea of autonomy from external control.