grenzwertig

Grenzwertig is a German adjective describing something that lies at or near a boundary or limit. It is used to indicate that a condition is borderline, precarious, or just within or close to an allowable threshold.

Etymology: The word is formed from Grenzwert (limit value) with the suffix -ig, similar to other adjectives meaning “characteristic of” or “having the nature of.” Thus grenzwertig literally means “limit-value-like” or “borderline.”

Usage: The term appears in scientific, regulatory, and everyday language. In science and environmental or occupational safety contexts, grenzwertig describes measurements, emissions, or concentrations that approach the legally defined Grenzwert (limit value) without necessarily exceeding it. In everyday speech it characterizes situations, decisions, or behavior that are on the edge of what is acceptable or safe. It can carry a neutral to slightly evaluative nuance, depending on context.

Examples: Die Emissionen lagen grenzwertig hoch, nahe dem zulässigen Grenzwert. Die Beurteilung des Falls war grenzwertig unklar.

Limitations: In mathematical contexts, the term is not standard; more precise terms such as Grenzwert, Annäherung, or konvergentes Verhalten are preferred.

See also: Grenzwert, Grenzbereich, Grenzfall, Grenzwerte.

Synonyms and related terms: nahe dem Grenzwert, am Rand des Möglichen; Antonyme: unbedenklich, deutlich unter dem Grenzwert, sicher.