absichtlicher

Absichtlicher is a German adjective that translates to "intentional" or "deliberate" in English. It is used to describe an action or behavior that is performed with a conscious purpose or design. The word implies that the action was not accidental or spontaneous but rather a result of planning or will.

The term "absichtlicher" is commonly used in legal contexts to distinguish between actions that were carried out on purpose and those that were not. For example, an "absichtlicher Diebstahl" (intentional theft) carries different legal consequences than an accidental taking of property. In everyday language, it is used to emphasize that something was done on purpose, often to assign responsibility or to highlight the agency of the actor.

The etymology of "absichtlicher" can be traced back to the noun "Absicht," which means "intention" or "purpose." The adjective is formed by adding the "-licher" suffix, indicating a quality or characteristic. Therefore, "absichtlicher" literally means having the quality of intention.

Understanding the nuances of "absichtlicher" is crucial for comprehending German legal and social discourse, as it differentiates between wilful acts and those that occur by chance. It underscores the importance of mental state in evaluating human behavior.