German word

Gegebenheit

Pronunciation

IPA/gəˈgeːbn̩haɪ̯t/

Meaning

  • feminine nounsituation

Example

Unter den aktuellen Gegebenheiten ist das nicht möglich.

In the current situation, that isn't possible.

Illustration for Gegebenheit (situation)

More examples

Wir müssen unsere Pläne an die Gegebenheiten anpassen.

We must adapt our plans to the circumstances.

Core concept

A snapshot of the conditions and facts already in place around a matter.

Common phrases

  • sich an die Gegebenheiten anpassen

    adapt to the circumstances

  • unter veränderten Gegebenheiten

    under changed circumstances

Similar words

Umstand: Background circumstances that affect an event, decision, or action.
Lage: The circumstances or position in which a person or matter is placed.
Zustand: The present condition or state of a person or thing, inside or out.
Situation: The specific circumstances of a particular scene, event, or set of events.

Definition in German

Ein vorhandener Zustand oder eine Tatsache, die die Lage einer Sache beschreibt.

Word origin

Gegebenheit derives from the adjective gegeben, meaning "given," plus the abstract-noun suffix -heit.

Usage tips

  • Gegebenheit is feminine, and the plural Gegebenheiten is especially common when describing practical conditions.

Other meanings

  • circumstancenoun
  • factnoun

Opposites

  • Fiktionfictionnoun

Related words

Word lists with this word