potenzieller

Potenzieller is a German adjective meaning potential or possible, used to describe something that could occur or be realized in the future but is not yet actual. In scientific, technical, and business contexts it commonly appears in phrases such as potenzielles Risiko (potential risk) or potenzielle Anwendungen (potential applications). The term follows standard German adjective declension, taking endings according to gender, number, and case of the noun it modifies.

Etymology and related forms: Potenziell derives from Potenzial, which comes from Latin potentia, via French potentiel and related linguistic pathways. The noun Potenzial (capacity or capability) is closely linked to the adjective and is widely used in management, engineering, and analysis to denote inherent ability or capability.

Declension and examples: With an indefinite article, masculine: ein potenzieller Kandidat; with a definite article: der potenzielle Kandidat. Feminine: eine potenzielle Kandidatin; die potenzielle Kandidatin. Neuter: ein potenzielles Risiko; das potenzielle Risiko. Plural: potenzielle Risiken. In dative and genitive forms endings change, e.g., dem potenziellen Risiko, des potenziellen Risikos.

Usage notes: potenziell often conveys a technical or hypothetical sense of possibility, distinct from probability. It is preferred when discussing latent capabilities, hypothetical scenarios, or future possibilities. The noun form Potenzieller is rarely used as a standalone noun; more common are phrases like ein potenzieller Kunde or potenzielles Risiko, rather than treating Potenzieller as a common noun.

See also: Potenzial, Potenzialanalyse, Potenzialenergie, Potenzialraum.