German word

autonom

Pronunciation

IPA/aʊ̯toˈnoːm/

Meaning

  • adjectiveautonomous

Example

Die autonome Firma trifft ihre Entscheidungen selbst.

The autonomous company makes its own decisions.

Illustration for autonom (autonomous)

More examples

Viele Start-ups bevorzugen eine autonome Arbeitsweise, um schneller zu reagieren.

Many start-ups prefer an autonomous way of working so that they can respond more quickly.

Core concept

An independent decision-maker operates by its own rules rather than following commands from elsewhere.

Common phrases

  • autonome Arbeitsweise

    autonomous way of working

  • autonome Entscheidung

    autonomous decision

Similar words

selbstständig: Able to handle work or everyday life without help from others.
eigenständig: Following its own approach without being controlled from outside.
unabhängig: Not controlled or directed by external forces.
selbstbestimmt: Shaped by personal will and judgment.

Definition in German

autonom bedeutet, ohne fremde Kontrolle eigene Entscheidungen zu treffen und eigenständig zu handeln.

Word origin

Autonom developed from Greek autos 'self' and nomos 'law' through the learned international vocabulary of modern European languages.

Usage tips

  • Autonom means self-directed, not automatisch, which means automatic and does not imply independent decision-making.

Other meanings

  • independentadjective
  • self-governingadjective

Opposites

  • fremdgesteuertexternally controlledadjective
  • untergeordnetsubordinateadjective

Related words

  • Autonomieautonomynoun
  • autonomisierenautonomizeverb

Word lists with this word