begründeter

Begründeter is the attributive masculine singular form of the German adjective begründet, meaning well-founded or justified. It is used before nouns to indicate that what is described has a basis in evidence, reasons, or facts. In everyday language it appears in phrases such as begründeter Verdacht (well-founded suspicion), begründete Bedenken (justified concerns), or begründete Behauptung (well-grounded claim).

Begründeter is not a stand-alone noun; it is the masculine nominative singular form of the adjective. Other gender and case combinations use different endings: feminine examples include eine begründete Behauptung, neuter examples ein begründetes Argument, and plural forms such as begründete Ideen. In definite contexts the endings adjust accordingly, e.g., der begründete Verdacht, die begründete Begründung.

Usage and nuance: begründet conveys that something is supported by reasons, evidence, or logic, and is common in legal, academic, political, and journalistic writing. It contrasts with notions that are speculative or unfounded. In predicate position it can appear as begründet: Die Behauptung ist begründet. This expresses that the claim itself is justified.

Etymology: begründet derives from the verb begründen, meaning to justify or to found, with the past participle forming the base adjective. The term underscores the presence of reasons or grounds rather than mere opinion.

See also: begründen, begründet, Begründung.