German word

Individuum

Pronunciation

IPA/ɪndiˈviːduʊm/

Meaning

  • neuter nounindividual

Example

Jedes Individuum verdient Respekt.

Every individual deserves respect.

Illustration for Individuum (individual)

More examples

Ein Individuum kann innerhalb einer Gesellschaft Veränderungen anstoßen.

An individual can initiate changes within a society.

Core concept

A single marked member standing out from a larger group, whether it is a living organism or a person.

Common phrases

  • als Individuum

    as an individual

  • das autonome Individuum

    the autonomous individual

  • Individuum mit Rechten

    individual with rights

Similar words

Person: A person referred to in ordinary, everyday conversation.
Mensch: A human being viewed as a biological organism or as a person with human qualities.

Definition in German

Individuum bezeichnet ein einzelnes, abgrenzbares Wesen oder eine einzelne Person.

Word origin

Individuum comes from Latin individuum, meaning an indivisible thing, formed from in- 'not' and dividere 'to divide'.

Usage tips

  • Individuum is neuter, with the plural Individuen, and its formal, impersonal tone often makes Person more natural in everyday speech.

Other meanings

  • personnoun

Opposites

  • Kollektivismuscollectivismnoun
  • Kollektivcollectivenoun

Related words

  • Individualismusindividualismnoun
  • Individualitätindividualitynoun

Word lists with this word