Unvernünftige

Unvernünftige is a German term that can function as an adjective or as a noun, with the form arising from un- (not) and vernünftig (reasonable, prudent). As an adjective, it describes actions, judgments, or attitudes that lack rational justification or prudent consideration. Common phrases include unvernünftiges Verhalten, unvernünftige Entscheidungen or unvernünftige Maßnahmen.

As a noun, Unvernünftige (capitalized) denotes a person who acts irrationally or imprudently. The plural Die Unvernünftigen refers to such people as a group. The corresponding gendered noun forms are Unvernünftiger (masculine) and Unvernünftige (feminine). When used as a noun, the term carries a normative or evaluative nuance, signaling disapproval of the person’s reasoning or behavior.

Usage and nuance: The word is widely used in everyday language, media commentary, and social or political critique to label behavior deemed irrational or shortsighted. It can function descriptively but often carries a pejorative or admonishing tone. In philosophical or ethical contexts, unvernünftig is used to describe acts that fail to align with practical reason or rational agency, in contrast to vernünftig, which denotes actions guided by reason, prudence, or rational standards. The term thus operates on both descriptive and evaluative levels, depending on context.

Related terms include vernünftig (reasonable, rational), unlogisch or unsinnig (illogical, nonsensical), and töricht (foolish). The exact nuance may shift with context and intonation, but unvernünftig generally signals a departure from rational or prudent judgment.