Weitreichende

Weitreichende is the attributive form of the German adjective weitreichend, meaning far-reaching or wide-ranging. It describes effects, decisions, reforms, or phenomena with substantial scope or long-term impact. In typical use it appears directly before a noun, with endings that reflect gender and number: e.g., eine weitreichende Entscheidung, weitreichende Reformen.

Nuance and usage: weitreichende often conveys significance and enduring influence rather than mere size. It is common in political, legal, scientific, and journalistic contexts to discuss far-reaching consequences or changes. It can appear in phrases such as weitreichende Folgen or weitreichende Auswirkungen.

Etymology and synonyms: The word is a compound of weit (far) and reichend (reaching). Related terms include umfassend (comprehensive), weitläufig (extensive or sprawling), and umfangreich (extensive). While all imply breadth, weitreichend emphasizes long-term, system-wide impact rather than mere abundance.

Translation and note: The closest English equivalents are far-reaching or wide-ranging. In German, the form alters with the case, gender, and number of the noun it modifies, so grammar must reflect the noun it accompanies. weitreichende is commonly used in formal and analytic writing to flag broad, lasting consequences or changes.