durchdrungene

Durchdrungene is a German attributive form derived from the verb durchdringen, meaning to penetrate or permeate. As an adjective, it conveys the sense that something is deeply permeated, saturated, or imbued by a quality, motif, or influence. The base participle durchdrungen appears in predicative position, while durchdrungene is used before nouns in agreement with gender and number (for example: ein durchdrungenes Werk, eine durchdrungene Idee, durchdrungene Motive).

Morphology and usage guidance:

- Neuter singular: ein durchdrungenes Werk

- Feminine singular: eine durchdrungene Seele

- Plural: durchdrungene Ideen

- Predicative with von-phrase: Das Werk ist durchdrungen von Motiven; Die Landschaft war vom Nebel durchdrungen.

The form reflects standard German adjective endings and is most common in literary, analytical, or descriptive prose. It is often employed to express that a subject is deeply affected, saturated, or infused by something, such as emotions, religious or political motifs, or atmospheric conditions.

Contexts and nuance:

Durchdrungene is frequently found in literary criticism, cultural analysis, and narrative prose, where authors describe works, places, or minds that bear the mark of pervasive influences. It can carry a sense of depth and intensity, but remains a descriptive, non-technical term when used in everyday writing.

See also:

- Durchdringen (the verb)

- Adjective endings in German

- Permeation in literature and criticism

This article provides an overview of the term’s meaning, usage, and grammatical behavior in standard German.