definierten

Definierten is a German adjective form derived from the verb definieren (to define). It functions as a declined attributive adjective before a noun and conveys that the noun has been defined. In standard usage you will encounter phrases such as die definierten Begriffe (the defined terms) or das definierte Ziel (the defined goal). The form shown here is the weak plural ending used after definite articles or other determiners, and it also appears in plural forms in other case contexts, for example der definierten Regeln or einer der definierten Regeln.

Grammatical notes about usage and inflection: In singular after a definite article, the adjective takes the ending -e (der definierte Begriff, die definierte Theorie, das definierte Ziel). In plural after a definite article, it takes -en (die definierten Begriffe, die definierten Konzepte). The same -en ending appears in genitive plural phrases like der definierten Regeln. The form is not a separate lexeme but a declined participial adjective derived from definieren. It is distinct from the past participle definiert, which is used in passive constructions (Begriffe wurden definiert).

Origin and meaning: definieren comes from the verb definieren, itself borrowed into German from Latin definire via French définir. The attributive form definierten is common in scientific, legal, and technical writing, where explicit definitions and defined terms are standard. It contrasts with other forms such as definierte (singular) or definierten in different cases, reflecting German adjective declension rules.

See also: definieren, definierter, definierbar, definierender Sprachgebrauch.