eigenständiger

Eigenständiger is a German adjective and, in some uses, a noun form derived from eigenständig. As an adjective it denotes a higher degree of autonomy or independence and can describe people, units, or processes that can act with their own authority or without constant external guidance. Typical contexts include reformulations like eigenständige Lösungen, eigenständige Abteilungen oder eigenständige Entscheidungen.

As the comparative form of eigenständig, eigenständiger indicates that something is more autonomous than another thing. For example: Das System wird eigenständiger, die Abteilung führt eigenständigere Projekte durch. The corresponding neuter comparative form would align with the noun: ein eigenständigeres System.

In nominative use as a noun, the capitalized Eigenständiger (der Eigenständige) refers to a person who acts independently or possesses a high degree of autonomy. This usage is relatively rare in everyday language; more common nominalizations are Selbstständige or Unabhängige. Nevertheless, Der Eigenständige kann eigenständige Entscheidungen treffen und Verantwortung übernehmen.

Etymology and related terms: eigenständig comes from eigen (own) and ständig (standing/steady), carrying the sense of standing on one’s own within a framework. Related words include selbstständig (self-employed or self-reliant), autonom, and unabhängig. The nuance between eigenständig and selbstständig often lies in the emphasis: eigenständig highlights autonomous action within a system or context, while selbstständig emphasizes the ability to act independently, including financial or professional self-reliance.

In usage, be mindful of context and gendered noun forms: der Eigenständige (m), die Eigenständige (f), das Eigenständige (n). More common alternatives in many contexts are selbstständig or unabhängig.