unbestimmten

Unbestimmten is the declined form of the German adjective unbestimmt, meaning "indefinite" or "unspecified." In German grammar, unbestimmt describes reference, quantity, or scope that is not precisely defined. It is used to indicate indefiniteness in relation to a noun, often in combination with a determiner such as einem, einen, or with no determiner at all in strong declension.

The form unbestimmten appears in several cases and numbers. Examples include: einen unbestimmten Fall (accusative masculine singular), in einem unbestimmten Sinn (dative masculine singular), in unbestimmten Fällen (plural dative), and des unbestimmten Mannes (genitive masculine singular). In many contexts the exact ending depends on the noun’s gender, number, and case as well as the surrounding determiner. In predicative position, the adjective is usually uninflected: Die Gründe sind unbestimmt.

Usage and meaning are central to its function. Unbestimmt signals that a noun is not specific or is defined only to a limited extent. It is common in discussions of quantities, probabilities, descriptions, or general statements where precision is either unavailable or intentionally avoided. Phrases such as unbestimmte Größe, unbestimmte Menge, or unbestimmte Gründe illustrate how the term broadens the reference beyond a fixed item.

Etymology and related terms: unbestimmt derives from un- (negation) and bestimmt (determined/definite), reflecting a standard German process of forming antonyms. Related concepts include Bestimmtheit (definiteness) and Unbestimmtheit (indefiniteness). In grammar, unbestimmt contrasts with definite articles and definite adjectives, as well as with the predicative use of unbestimmt, which remains unchanged in form.