existenzieller

Existenzieller is a German adjective meaning existential, relating to existence or to existentialism. It is used to describe matters that concern human existence, meaning, freedom, authenticity, or other central aspects of the human condition. The term appears in philosophy, literary critique, and social theory.

Origin and usage: Existenzieller is formed from Existenz (existence) with the adjectival suffix -ell, aligning with the English word existential. In German grammar it inflects for gender and case; a common attributive usage is äl like "existenzieller Zweifel" (existential doubt). The neuter and feminine forms follow regular adjective inflection patterns, so phrases such as "existenzielle Frage" or "existenzielles Problem" are also encountered depending on the noun they modify.

Philosophical context: In discussions of Existentialismus, existenziell language signals concerns about the human condition rather than purely theoretical or methodological questions. The term is used to describe questions of freedom, responsibility, authenticity, mortality, and personal meaning, and it overlaps with broader discussions of existentialist themes in literature and critical theory.

Usage notes: Existenzieller is most common as an attributive adjective before a masculine noun, as in "existenzieller Konflikt" or "existenzieller Zweifel." Its inflected forms vary with gender and case, and other forms like "existenzielle" or "existenzieles" may appear with feminine or neuter nouns. The term is closely related to the noun Existenz and the philosophical movement Existentialismus.