erklärungsbedürftig

Erklärungsbedürftig is a German adjective that translates to "needing explanation" or "requiring clarification." It is used to describe situations, concepts, statements, or behaviors that are not immediately clear or easily understood by the observer or recipient. The term implies a certain level of complexity, ambiguity, or unusualness that necessitates further explanation to achieve comprehension.

The adjective can be applied in various contexts. For instance, a complex scientific theory might be described as erklärungsbedürftig, as it requires specialized knowledge and detailed explanations. Similarly, a peculiar social custom or an ambiguous legal clause could also be deemed erklärungsbedürftig. In everyday conversation, a person might say something is erklärungsbedürftig if it strikes them as odd or deviates from the norm, prompting them to ask for more information.

The need for explanation can arise from several factors. It could be due to the inherent difficulty of the subject matter, a lack of prior knowledge on the part of the person seeking understanding, or the way information is presented, which might be incomplete or poorly articulated. The adjective highlights a gap in understanding that a subsequent explanation aims to bridge. It suggests that without additional input, the meaning or purpose remains obscure.