German word

Autonomie

Pronunciation

IPA/aʊ̯tonoˈmiː/

Meaning

  • feminine nounautonomy

Example

Die Schule fördert die Autonomie der Schüler.

The school fosters the students' autonomy.

Illustration for Autonomie (autonomy)

More examples

Viele Menschen kämpfen für das Recht auf Autonomie.

Many people fight for the right to autonomy.

Core concept

A person or group holds its own steering wheel, choosing a course and accepting what follows.

Common phrases

  • persönliche Autonomie

    personal autonomy

  • das Recht auf Autonomie

    the right to autonomy

Similar words

Selbstbestimmung: Freedom to make important choices and shape one's own way of life.
Unabhängigkeit: A state of being free from reliance on or control by others or organizations.
Selbstständigkeit: Ability to manage work or daily life without much help from others.
Eigenverantwortung: Taking responsibility for one's own actions and decisions.

Definition in German

Autonomie ist die Fähigkeit oder der Zustand, eigenständig Entscheidungen zu treffen und für die Folgen verantwortlich zu sein.

Word origin

Autonomie comes from Greek autonomia, formed from autos, meaning 'self', and nomos, meaning 'law' or 'custom', and entered German through other European languages.

Usage tips

  • Autonomie is a feminine noun, so the definite article is die and the plural is usually Autonomien.

Other meanings

  • independencenoun
  • self-governmentnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • autonomautonomousadjective
  • Autonomiebedürfnisneed for autonomynoun

Word lists with this word