verspäteten

Verspäteten is a German noun form that can function as the plural of a noun built from the adjective verspätet (late, belated). In standard use the singular would be der Verspätete or die Verspätete, and the plural die Verspäteten. The term therefore refers to people or groups that are late, or to things described as delayed, depending on the context. However, Verspäteten is relatively uncommon in everyday language and is more often found in literary or descriptive prose, or in administrative or journalistic texts where a label for latecomers or delayed persons is desired.

Etymology and grammar: the word combines verspätet with the plural suffix -en, yielding a substantive form that can denote late individuals or parties affected by a delay. The exact sense depends on accompanying nouns or adjectives; for example, it may appear as part of a phrase such as “die Verspäteten” or “den Verspäteten” within a sentence.

Usage and notes: in most practical contexts German speakers would prefer alternatives such as Verspätung (delay) to describe the phenomenon, or latecomers for people who arrive late. When Verspäteten is used, it tends to be interpretive or stylistic rather than a standard technical term. Readers should rely on broader context to determine whether the author intends a neutral descriptive label or a more literary characterization.

See also: Verspätung, verspätet, latecomer.