herausragende

Herausragende is a German adjective meaning outstanding or remarkable. It is used to describe people, achievements, performances, or objects that stand out from the ordinary. The term conveys a qualitative assessment beyond merely good, suggesting distinction, excellence, or high relevance within a context.

The word is derived from the verb herausragen (to protrude or stand out) with the suffix -end, forming the form used as an adjective. In attributive position before a noun, it follows standard adjective declension: eine herausragende Leistung, herausragende Ergebnisse. In predicative use after verbs such as sein, bleiben, or werden, the form remains as herausragend: Die Leistung ist herausragend. When used as a noun, the adjective is capitalized, for example der Herausragende (singular) or die Herausragenden (plural), though such usage is relatively rare in everyday language.

Usage and nuance: Herausragende describes exceptional quality or achievement and is common in formal, evaluative, or promotional contexts. It denotes more than “very good” and often implies a standard that distinguishes someone or something within a specific field or situation.

Related terms: synonyms include herausragend, ausgezeichnet, überragend, and bemerkenswert, while antonyms include gewöhnlich, durchschnittlich, and minderwertig. The choice among them depends on nuance and formality.

See also: related linguistic notes on German adjective declension and nominalized adjectives.