kompetentsed

Kompetentsed is an Estonian plural adjective meaning capable, competent or skilled. It is commonly used to describe people who possess the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform a task. The form is typically used with a noun, for example kompetentsed spetsialistid or kompetentsed töötajad. In some contexts it can function as a collective reference to a group of capable people, though the noun kompetentsus is used when emphasizing the quality itself rather than the individuals.

Etymology and language notes: kompetentsed derives from the adjective kompetentne, with the plural form kompetentsed. It belongs to a family of words linked to the concept of competence, including the noun kompetentsus, which denotes the state or quality of being competent. The term is borrowed from or shaped by Latin and related European languages through historical language contact, parallel to English competent and German kompetent.

Usage and contexts: in Estonian, kompetentsed is common in human resources, education and public administration to highlight the presence of skilled personnel. It is often found in recruitment descriptions, performance assessments and policy discussions about workforce development. The distinction between kompetentsed (the people) and kompetentsus (the quality) is important for precise phrasing.

See also: kompetentsus (competence), kompetentne (adjective), kompetentsuspõhine haridus (competency-based education) and related concepts in human resources and vocational training.