zeitgemäßen

Zeitgemäß is a German adjective meaning that something is in line with the present time, modern, or suitable for current conditions. The word is formed from Zeit (time) and gemäß (in accordance with), and it is used to express both topicality and normative suitability. The inflected form zeitgemäßen appears in various cases and numbers, for example as den zeitgemäßen Ansprüchen (accusative singular masculine) or den zeitgemäßen Anforderungen (dative plural).

Etymology and usage context: zeitgemäß emerged in the sense of conforming to contemporary standards and expectations. It is commonly used across domains such as politics, business, technology, design, and journalism to describe practices, technologies, policies, or aesthetics that fit the current era rather than those of the past. Unlike some synonyms, zeitgemäß often carries a judgment about appropriateness for today, not merely novelty.

Nuance and related terms: Zeitgemäß emphasizes relevance to the present and practical adequacy, sometimes with a prescriptive undertone. Related terms include aktuell (current, up-to-date), modern (modern in a general sense), and zeitgenössisch (contemporary, often tied to a specific cultural or artistic period). Zeitgemäß can appear in both evaluative and descriptive contexts.

Declension and examples: In use, the form zeitgemäßen appears in phrases like den zeitgemäßen Anforderungen, mit zeitgemäßen Lösungen, or zeitgemäßen Methoden. Example sentences include: Die zeitgemäßen Anforderungen an Datenschutz sind höher; Das Unternehmen setzt auf eine zeitgemäße Kommunikationsstrategie.

See also: Zeitgeist, zeitgenössisch, aktuell.