gemeint

Gemeint is a German term that functions as the past participle and as an adjective derived from the verb meinen (to mean, to think, to intend). In everyday language it conveys sense of something being meant, intended, or implied, rather than merely stated literally.

Etymology and form: Gemeint is formed with the prefix ge- and the -t suffix, following the standard pattern for German past participles of verbs with a simple stem. As an adjective or predicate complement, it can describe a noun or indicate the meaning or intention behind an utterance or action. It is distinct from the present tense forms of meinen (z. B. meint) and from other participles by its role in signaling intended meaning rather than the act of thinking itself.

Usage: Gemeint appears in phrases that point to an intended meaning or implication. For example, the sentence Damit ist gemeint, dass wir heute Abend früher gehen müssen translates to “That means we have to leave earlier tonight.” Das ist gemeint, can be used to affirm what was intended by a previous remark, meaning “That is what was meant.” In perfect tense, German uses haben: Ich habe gemeint, dass du kommen würdest, meaning “I meant that you would come.” The distinction between ich meinte (simple past) and ich habe gemeint (present perfect) is subtle and often influenced by regional usage.

Semantic and stylistic notes: Gemeint helps distinguish literal wording from intended meaning. In formal or written German, it frequently appears in explanations of interpretation or in cases where the author wants to clarify what was intended by a statement. It is not a noun, though it can appear in discussions about the “gemeinte Bedeutung” (the intended meaning) or the “gemeinte Botschaft” (the intended message).