mündig

Mündig is a German concept that translates most closely to "adult," "competent," or "having come of age," but it carries deeper implications than simply reaching a certain age. It refers to a state of intellectual, social, and moral independence, implying the ability to think critically, make autonomous decisions, and take responsibility for one's actions. The concept is rooted in Enlightenment ideals, particularly those of Immanuel Kant, who defined "mündig" as the state of being able to use one's own understanding without direction from another.

Becoming "mündig" is not merely a passive process of aging but an active development that involves education, self-reflection, and engagement with the world. It signifies liberation from tutelage, whether that tutelage is imposed by others, by tradition, or by one's own immaturity or lack of critical faculty. An individual who is "mündig" is capable of forming their own opinions, participating meaningfully in society, and contributing to public discourse. The term is often used in educational and political contexts to emphasize the importance of fostering critical thinking and independent judgment in individuals. It is the antithesis of being "unmündig," which describes a state of dependence or inability to think or act for oneself.