abhängiger

Abhängiger is a German term that can function as both a noun and an adjective, related to the base adjective abhängig, meaning dependent or contingent. As the comparative form of abhängig, abhängiger is used to express a higher degree of dependence, for example: „Er ist abhängiger von Medikamenten geworden“ or „Sie ist abhängiger als zuvor.“ In everyday language, speakers often prefer periphrastic constructions such as „mehr abhängig“ or „stärker abhängig,“ though the comparative form abhängiger is correct in grammatical contexts.

As a noun, the capitalized form der Abhängige (plural die Abhängigen) denotes a person who depends on something or who has an addiction. In clinical, social, or policy discussions, der Abhängige is common when referring to individuals with dependency or substance-use disorders. The noun can carry stigmatizing connotations, so many writers and institutions prefer neutral phrases like „eine Person mit Abhängigkeit“ or „eine Person, die von Substanzen abhängig ist.“

Etymology and usage notes: Abhängig comes from the prefix ab- plus hängen, with -ig forming the adjective and -er the suffix that yields comparative or agentive forms. The term is related to Abhängigkeit (dependency) and to Sucht (addiction). Distinctions exist between Abhängigkeit (a state of dependence) and Unabhängigkeit (independence). In neutral or clinical contexts, care is often taken to describe individuals respectfully, focusing on the condition rather than labeling the person.

See also: Abhängigkeit, Sucht, Unabhängigkeit, unabhängiger.