rechtem

rechtem is the dative singular form of the German adjective recht in its strong declension. It appears before masculine or neuter nouns when no determiner accompanies the noun, and it corresponds to the meaning “right” or “proper/correct” in its adjectival use. In other contexts with definite or indefinite articles, different endings are used (for example, dem rechten Mann or einem rechten Mann).

Grammar and usage

In the strong (or unmarked) declension, adjectives take the ending -em in the dative singular masculine and neuter: rechtem Verstand, rechtem Maß, rechtem Auto. This form is not a separate word but a grammatical inflection of recht. The feminine form in the same case would differ, and with a definite article or determiner the endings shift to the weak declension (for example, dem rechten Mann). The form rechtem is most common when the noun is generic or undefined, as in noun phrases without a preceding article.

Examples

Common uses include mit rechtem Verstand (with proper understanding) and mit rechtem Maß (with proper measure). It can also occur with neuter nouns in the dative singular, such as mit rechtem Auto, illustrating the same strong-declension pattern.

Etymology

The adjective recht comes from Old High German riht and from Proto-Germanic *rihtaz, with a core meaning related to straight, proper, or rightful. Over time, it acquired the broad sense of “right,” “correct,” or “fair,” which is reflected in its inflected forms, including rechtem in the dative singular.