kommunikativ

Kommunikativ is an adjective used in German and Swedish to describe anything related to communication. It can refer to the act of communicating, to the ability to convey information, or to approaches and practices that emphasize interaction and information exchange. In English, the closest equivalent is communicative.

The term is derived from the noun Kommunikation (communication) with the adjectival suffix -tiv, and it shares cognates across Germanic languages. Its usage covers both practical skills and theoretical concepts related to how people exchange messages, thoughts, and meanings.

In linguistics and language teaching, kommunikativer or kommunikativer Ansatz denotes approaches that prioritize meaningful language use and real-life interaction over isolated grammar drills. The related concept of kommunikative Kompetenz corresponds to the English term communicative competence, describing the ability to use language appropriately in social contexts. This emphasis on functional language use has shaped many modern teaching methods and assessment practices.

In everyday and professional contexts, the adjective describes people, styles, or systems that focus on clear, effective communication. For example, a kommunikativer Führungsstil (communication-oriented leadership) emphasizes open dialogue and collaborative problem solving, while a kommunikativer Kommunikationsstil highlights clarity, responsiveness, and engagement in exchanges. The term thus functions as a flexible descriptor across education, sociology, business, and everyday speech.