adjective

hinfällig

invalid · obsolete

Definition & meaning

The German adjective hinfällig has two distinct meanings depending on the context:

Physically frail or infirm: In a medical or personal context, it describes a person who is physically weak, sickly, or fragile, often as a result of old age or chronic illness. It suggests a state where someone is no longer able to take care of themselves or is nearing the end of their life.
Invalid or void: In a logical, legal, or situational context, it describes something that has lost its validity or relevance. If an argument, a plan, a reason, or a contract becomes hinfällig, it means it no longer applies or is no longer necessary because the underlying circumstances have changed.

Grammar & Word origin

The word is an adjective. Its origin can be traced back to the verb hinfallen, which means "to fall down." The suffix -ig is a common German suffix used to form adjectives.

Literally, the word implies something that is "liable to fall down" or "prone to collapse." This literal root explains both meanings: a person who is so weak they might fall, or an argument that "falls apart" because it is no longer supported by facts.