intentionen

Intentionen is the plural form of intention in German, describing mental states oriented toward future actions or the aims behind planned conduct. The term derives from Latin intendere and entered German through historical usage. In everyday language, intentionen intersect with Absicht (a personal resolve to act) and Ziel (a goal or target), but Absicht emphasizes commitment while Ziel stresses outcome.

In philosophy, intentionality denotes the directedness of mental states toward objects or states of affairs. An intention, in this sense, is a mental act that aims at a future action or result and is distinct from mere desire or motive; it can bear normative weight in rational deliberation.

In psychology and cognitive science, intentions guide planning and behavior. They can be formed before action and influence performance, but the intention-behavior gap shows that not all intended actions are carried out. Research on implementation intentions—specific if-then plans—studies how people translate intentions into action.

In practical usage, individuals speak of having the intention to do something. In law, intent or intention relates to the mental state relevant to culpability. German texts often prefer Absicht for everyday talk, while intentionen appear in discussions of multiple aims, policy goals, or theoretical analyses of motivation.