kritisches

Kritisches is the neuter singular attributive form of the German adjective kritisch, used before a neuter noun to indicate an evaluative or analytical quality. It appears in phrases that describe thinking, objects, or stances as requiring examination, analysis, or skepticism.

In German grammar, the ending of the adjective depends on the article or determiner that accompanies the noun. With no article or after an indefinite article, the form is kritisches (for neuter nouns): kritisches Denken, ein kritisches Buch. With a definite article, the ending is kritische: das kritische Denken, das kritische Buch. The plural forms are kritische Bücher, kritische Ideen, etc. The same pattern applies across closely related neuter nouns and in other contexts of attributive use.

Usage and meaning: kritisches conveys a sense of critique, scrutiny, or careful evaluation. It is common in academic, journalistic, and public-discussion contexts where subjects are analyzed rather than accepted at face value. Typical collocations include kritisches Denken (critical thinking), kritische Haltung (critical stance), kritische Bewertung (critical appraisal), and kritische Öffentlichkeit (critical public sphere). The term often signals a proactive, questioning approach rather than mere negativity.

Nominalization and related terms: in standard usage, kritisches functions as an adjective and is not usually a standalone noun. When reference to the concept as a whole is intended, German often uses nominalized forms such as das Kritische or Kritik, depending on the emphasis. In philosophical or theoretical contexts, terms related to critique or critical theory may be used, sometimes with capitalization to mark a distinct concept.

Overall, kritisches foregrounds judgment and inquiry, rather than acceptance, and appears across education, media, and discourse as a descriptor for analytical or skeptical quality.