unmittelbar

Unmittelbar is a German adjective and adverb that denotes directness, immediacy, or proximity without mediation. It can describe time, space, causality, or relationships, and contrasts with mediated or indirect forms such as mittelbar or indirekt.

Etymology and forms: The term is formed from un- (a negating or intensifying prefix) and mittelbar (in the middle, mediated). In use, unmittelbarer can modify nouns or verbs, and unmittelbare Adverbial phrases express immediacy, for example, unmittelbar danach (immediately after).

Usage in language and logic: In grammar, unmittelbares Objekt refers to the direct object in a sentence, typically the Akkusativobjekt, as opposed to a mittelbares Objekt (indirect object). In temporal and spatial contexts, phrases like in unmittelbarer Nähe (in immediate proximity) or unmittelbar vor/raus convey closeness or exact timing. In philosophy and psychology, unmittelbare Erfahrung denotes direct, unmediated experience.

Legal and political contexts: In law and political science, the term is used to distinguish systems or actions that occur without intermediary intermediaries. Unmittelbare Demokratie (direct democracy) contrasts with representative democracy, emphasizing citizen participation without elected intermediaries. Unmittelbare Wirkung or Effekte describe direct effects that do not require further mediation or implementation.

Noun form: The noun Unmittelbarkeit means immediacy or directness, referring to the quality or state of being immediate or directly connected.

See also: Mittelbar (mediated), Direkte/Object relations in grammar, Unmittelbarkeit (immediacy). The term is widely used across disciplines to indicate a lack of mediation, direct contact, or immediate consequence.