engagierte

Engagierte is a German term that can function as a noun or as part of the adjective-engaged concept. As a noun, Engagierte refers to people who are actively involved and committed to a cause, project, or organization. The plural form is die Engagierten; the singular forms are der Engagierte (masculine) or die Engagierte (feminine). As an adjective, the corresponding form is engagiert, used to describe someone who shows commitment or active involvement, as in engagierte Bürgerinnen und Bürger.

Etymology and related terms: Engagierte derives from the verb engagieren, meaning to engage or commit, which itself comes from the French engager. Related nouns include Engagement (commitment or involvement) and Ehrenamt (volunteering in an official/voluntary role). Other related terms describe people who participate in civil society, such as Freiwillige (volunteers) and Aktivistinnen/Aktivisten (activists).

Usage and nuances: The term Engagierte is commonly used in discussions about civil society, volunteer work, and social or political activism. It carries a neutral to positive connotation, emphasizing personal commitment and ongoing involvement rather than a formal title or job. In corporate or formal contexts, alternatives like Ehrenamtliche or Mitarbeiterinnen and Mitarbeiter who demonstrate engagement may be used, depending on the emphasis.

See also: Engagement; Engagieren; Engagementsformen; Ehrenamt; Freiwillige.