sinnvoll

Sinnvoll is a German adjective meaning that something has sense, meaning, or purpose. It is used to describe actions, plans, decisions, or objects as useful, appropriate, or well‑considered. In English translations it is often rendered as sensible, reasonable, or meaningful, depending on context.

Etymology and nuance: Sinnvoll derives from Sinn (sense, meaning) and Voll (full of). It does not relate to the senses in the sense of Sinnlich, but to having a clear aim or justification. The opposite forms are unsinnig or sinnlos, meaning pointless, absurd, or irrational.

Usage and examples: Sinnvoll is used both attributively and predicatively. Examples include eine sinnvolle Maßnahme (a sensible/meaningful measure) and Das ist sinnvoll (That makes sense/That is sensible). The adverb sinnvollerweise exists and means “logically” or “as one would reasonably expect.” Common collocations cover practical decisions and actions, such as sinnvoll investieren, sinnvoll planen, or sinnvoll einsetzen. Grammatical endings follow standard adjective declension: ein sinnvolles Ziel, sinnvolle Entscheidungen, dieses Ziel ist sinnvoll.

Semantic range: In everyday language, sinnvol is positively valued, signaling efficiency, practicality, or justified purpose. In broader discourse it can also imply meaningful impact or alignment with underlying goals. It is often contrasted with unsinnig or sinnlos, which express pointlessness or foolishness.

See also: Sinnhaftigkeit (meaningfulness), synonymous or related terms include vernünftig, zweckmäßig, praktikabel, with nuanced distinctions from logically (logisch) or intellectually (intellektuell) framed usage.