bestimmenden

Bestimmenden is the declined form of the present participle bestimmen, used as an adjective meaning “determining” or “defining.” It commonly appears in phrases such as der bestimmende Faktor (the determining factor) or dem bestimmenden Faktor (dative singular). The form also occurs in plural and in other cases, for example mit bestimmenden Faktoren (with determining factors).

Grammatical notes: As an attributive adjective, bestimmend follows standard German adjective declension patterns. In the singular masculine with a definite article, the form is bestimmende (der bestimmende Faktor). In the dative singular masculine with a definite article, it becomes bestimmten, as in dem bestimmenden Faktor. In the plural without an article the phrase is bestimmende Faktoren, and with a definite article it is die bestimmenden Faktoren. With an indefinite article, for example ein bestimmender Faktor, the form is bestimmender in the nominative singular masculine.

Noun use: Bestimmenden can also be capitalized as Bestimmenden when used as a noun, meaning “the determiners” or “the deciding ones.” For example, Die Bestimmenden trafen sich heute. This noun use is relatively uncommon and tends to appear in academic or formal contexts.

Usage context: The term is common in scientific, philosophical, and analytical writing to describe variables, criteria, or factors that exert decisive influence. Related terms include Bestimmung (determination), Bestimmungsfaktor (determinant factor), and bestimmen in its verb sense. The expression emphasizes the role of certain elements in shaping outcomes or explanations.