die  Eigenständigkeit

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈaɪ̯ɡn̩ʃtɛndɪçkaɪ̯t/

🎯 What does Eigenständigkeit mean?

Die Eigenständigkeit describes the state or ability to act, decide, and exist independently of others. It's a central concept that can relate to various areas:

• Personal autonomy: The ability of a person to shape their life self-determinedly, make their own decisions, and take responsibility for them.
• Economic independence: The ability to stand on one's own feet financially without relying on support.
• Political sovereignty: The independence of a state or region from external control.
• Originality/Uniqueness: Sometimes it is also used to describe the distinctiveness or unique character of something (e.g., die Eigenständigkeit eines Kunstwerks - the originality of a work of art).

It is an abstract noun, mostly used in the singular. The article is always die.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Die Eigenständigkeit

The word "Eigenständigkeit" is a feminine noun. It is generally used only in the singular as it's an abstract concept. The plural form is very uncommon.

📝 Example Sentences

1. Die finanzielle Eigenständigkeit ist ihr sehr wichtig.
   (Financial independence is very important to her.)
2. Das Kind entwickelt langsam seine Eigenständigkeit.
   (The child is slowly developing its independence/autonomy.)
3. Wir müssen die Eigenständigkeit dieser Region respektieren.
   (We must respect the autonomy of this region.)
4. Dem Projekt fehlt es an konzeptioneller Eigenständigkeit.
   (The project lacks conceptual originality/distinctiveness.)

💡 How to use Eigenständigkeit

"Die Eigenständigkeit" is frequently used in contexts concerning personal development, autonomy, independence, and self-determination.

• In everyday life: When talking about children learning to do things themselves, or elderly people wanting to maintain their independence. Example: "Die Förderung der Eigenständigkeit im Alter ist ein wichtiges Ziel." (Promoting independence in old age is an important goal.)
• At work: Often in job descriptions to express that independent work is expected. Example: "Wir suchen Mitarbeiter mit hoher Eigenständigkeit und Verantwortungsbewusstsein." (We are looking for employees with a high degree of autonomy and responsibility.)
• In politics: In connection with the sovereignty of states or the autonomy of regions. Example: "Die politische Eigenständigkeit des Landes wurde international anerkannt." (The country's political independence was internationally recognized.)
• In philosophy/psychology: As a concept of self-realization and individual freedom. Example: "Die Entwicklung von Eigenständigkeit ist ein wichtiger Schritt zur Mündigkeit." (The development of autonomy is an important step towards maturity/majority.)

Risk of confusion? Sometimes it's confused with Selbstständigkeit. While Selbstständigkeit often refers to being self-employed (selbstständig sein vs. angestellt sein) or performing tasks independently, Eigenständigkeit is a broader term emphasizing the inner attitude and capacity for autonomy.

🧠 Mnemonics for Eigenständigkeit

Article Mnemonic: Many German nouns ending in "-keit" or "-heit" are feminine (die), like die Möglichkeit (possibility), die Freiheit (freedom). Remember this pattern for die Eigenständigkeit.

Meaning Mnemonic: Break it down: "Eigen" means 'own' or 'self', and "ständig" relates to 'standing'. So, someone who is 'eigen-ständig' is 'standing on their own'. This leads to the meaning of independence or autonomy – Eigenständigkeit.

↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms

Similar words:

• Eigensinn: (Stubbornness/Obstinacy) Can be negative, whereas Eigenständigkeit is positive.
• Eigenverantwortung: (Personal responsibility) The willingness to be accountable for one's actions, which is a prerequisite for Eigenständigkeit.

😂 A Little Joke

Chef: "Sind Sie eigenständig?"
Neuer Mitarbeiter: "Ja, sicher! Wenn ich etwas nicht weiß, stehe ich auf und frage einfach die Kollegen!"

(Translation: Boss: "Are you self-reliant/autonomous?"
New employee: "Yes, sure! If I don't know something, I stand up and just ask my colleagues!")

(The joke plays on the fact that the employee is proactive but perhaps not in the sense of working completely independently.)

📜 Poem about Eigenständigkeit

Auf eignen Füßen fest im Stand,
Die Zügel selbst fest in der Hand.
Kein Echo sein, kein fremder Schall,
Die Eigenständigkeit gilt überall.

Im Denken frei, im Tun bereit,
Für die ganz eig'ne Lebenszeit.
Ein starker Baum, der fest verwurzelt,
Auch wenn der Wind mal an ihm rüttelt.

---

(Translation:)

On own feet, standing firm and grand,
The reins held tightly in one's hand.
No echo be, no foreign sound,
Independence can be found all around.

In thought be free, in action keen,
For one's very own life scene.
A strong tree, rooted deep and vast,
Even when the wind blows past.

❓ Little Riddle

Ich bin ein Ziel für Groß und Klein,
Willst du nicht fremdbestimmt mehr sein.
Ich wachse oft erst mit den Jahren,
Man muss mich pflegen und bewahren.

Man braucht mich sehr im Leben,
Um eignen Zielen nachzustreben.
Bin weiblich und trag "-keit" am End',
Wer meine Freiheit kennt?

---

(Translation:)

I am a goal for young and old,
If you don't want your fate controlled.
I often grow throughout the years,
You must nurture me and calm your fears.

You need me greatly in your life,
To strive for your own goals, avoiding strife.
I'm feminine and end in "-keit",
Who knows my freedom, shining bright?

(Answer: die Eigenständigkeit)

🧩 Further Insights

Word Composition:

The word "Eigenständigkeit" is a noun composed of several parts:

• eigen: Adjective, meaning 'own', 'characteristic', 'self'.
• ständig: Adjective, here in the sense of 'standing', 'based upon'. The root is 'stehen' (to stand).
• -keit: Suffix used to form abstract nouns from adjectives, mostly feminine in German.

Together, the meaning emerges: The state of standing on one's own, thus being independent or autonomous.

Cultural Significance:

In Western cultures, Eigenständigkeit (autonomy, independence) is often considered a high value, associated with personal freedom, responsibility, and success. In more collectivist cultures, the focus might be stronger on community and interdependence.