selbstbestimmte

Selbstbestimmte is the attributive form of the German adjective selbstbestimmt, meaning self-determined or autonomous. It is used to describe nouns that have or exhibit autonomy, agency, or the ability to make independent choices.

In practical use, selbstbestimmt appears in phrases such as eine selbstbestimmte Entscheidung, die selbstbestimmte Frau oder selbstbestimmte Lebensführung. The form changes with gender, number and case in German grammar, for example die selbstbestimmten Entscheidungen (plural) or eine selbstbestimmte Entscheidung (feminine singular). The term is common in everyday language as well as in academic, political and social discourse to express the idea of personal or collective autonomy.

Meaning and context: selbstbestimmte describes the quality of acting or existing with control over one’s own fate, free from external coercion. It is closely linked to concepts like Selbstbestimmung (self-determination), Autonomie and empowerment. In debates about education, healthcare, disability rights, or civic participation, the adjective is often used to emphasize respect for individual or group agency and the capacity to choose one’s path.

See also:

- Selbstbestimmung

- Autonomie

- Selbstständigkeit

Note: While selbstbestimmte can function as a descriptive term in many contexts, it is not a fixed technical term on its own; its precise meaning depends on the noun it modifies.