sinnvolle

Sinnvolle is the feminine singular attributive form of the German adjective sinnvoll, meaning meaningful, sensible, rational, or useful. It appears before a feminine noun or pronoun that carries a definite article or another determiner that triggers a weak inflection, for example: die sinnvolle Lösung, eine sinnvolle Maßnahme.

Etymology and meaning: Sinnvoll derives from Sinn (sense, meaning) and voll (full), and it describes something that makes sense, is well thought out, or practically valuable. As an evaluative term, it is commonly used in everyday speech as well as in formal writing to express that a choice, action, or idea is appropriate or productive.

Usage and grammar: Sinnvolle is used in attributive position with feminine singular nouns. Its form reflects the grammar of German adjective endings: after definite determiners, feminine singular adjectives take the -e ending, as in die sinnvolle Entscheidung or die sinnvolle Investition. The corresponding predicative form is typically sinnvoll, not sinnvolle, because adjectives in predicate position often do not receive an attributive ending. The plural feminine form would be sinnvolle Lösungen, while masculine or neuter forms follow other declension patterns (e.g., der sinnvolle Plan, das sinnvolle Konzept).

Semantic nuance and context: The term connotes practical value and logical justification. It contrasts with sinnlos (meaningless or pointless) and is often used to advocate careful, well-argued choices. In philosophical or policy discussions, sinnvollity may be discussed in terms of coherence, efficiency, and ethical justification.

Translations and related terms: Sinnvoll translates as meaningful, sensible, or reasonable in English, depending on context. Related terms include sinnvoll (the base adjective), Sinn (sense or meaning), and sinnlos (meaningless).