gesinnt

Gesinnt is a German adjective that describes a person’s inner orientation, mindset, or ideological leaning. It refers to a person’s beliefs or disposition rather than temporary moods. In everyday use it is often predicative after forms of sein, as in “Er ist gesinnt,” and appears in phrases that indicate political or moral stance, such as “politisch links gesinnt” or “rechts gesinnt,” meaning left-leaning or right-leaning. The related noun is Gesinnung, which denotes one’s inner beliefs or ideological outlook.

Etymology and related terms: Gesinnt derives from the verb sinnen (to think, to intend) with the typical German participle formation. As an adjective, it carries a neutral core meaning of inner disposition but can take evaluative nuances depending on context. A closely related term is gleichgesinnt, meaning “like-minded,” commonly used in neutral or positive contexts.

Usage and nuance: In neutral descriptive use, gesinnt simply marks a person’s disposition. In political or moral discourse it can carry evaluative judgments, especially when paired with strong descriptors or in phrases like verfassungsfeindliche Gesinnung (an anti-constitutional disposition). Journalism and public debate may use it to convey a speaker’s ideological alignment, though it does not by itself determine legality or legitimacy.

See also: Gleichgesinnt, Gesinnung, Politische Gesinnung, Verfassungstreue Gesinnung, Gesinnungsethik.