Zugewandtes

Zugewandtes is the neuter singular attributive form of the German adjective zugewandt, meaning devoted, attentive, or emotionally available. It is used before a neuter singular noun, typically with an indefinite article or without an article in the nominative or accusative case. Examples include ein zugewandtes Verhalten (an attentive/developed behavior) or zugewandtes Verhalten (attentive behavior) when used bare.

Etymology and meaning: The adjective zugewandt derives from the compound prefix zu- (“toward”) and wenden/ wenden, historically describing a disposition that turns toward others or toward a situation. In modern usage, zugewandt characterizes a person, attitude, or action that shows warmth, consideration, and readiness to engage with others.

Usage and nuance: Zuwewandtes characterizes interpersonal orientation and is commonly applied to behavior, attitudes, or traits. It contrasts with more distant or reserved descriptors such as distanziert or unnahbar. While zugewandt can describe a person as a trait, its attributive form zugewandtes is predominantly seen in noun phrases like zugewandtes Verhalten, zugewandte Unterstützung, or zugewandte Haltung. The equivalent predicative form is zugewandt (e.g., Er ist zugewandt).

Related terms: Zuwendung (care, attention, or gift sometimes used in a relational sense), zugewandt as a related adjective, and synonyms such as aufmerksam, hilfsbereit, or engagiert. The concept often appears in sociable or caregiving contexts, emphasizing attentiveness and warmth toward others.

See also: Zuwendung; zugewandte Haltung; zuwendungsgestreift usage in related expressions.