mündig
of age
Eine Person ist alt genug, um eigene Entscheidungen zu treffen und für ihr Handeln selbst zu verantworten.
Definition & meaning
The word mündig primarily describes a person who has reached the legal age of majority and is therefore considered capable of making their own decisions and taking full responsibility for their actions. In a legal context, it means having the right to sign contracts and vote.
In a broader, more philosophical or social sense, it refers to a person who is intellectually mature, critical, and independent. A mündiger Bürger (responsible citizen) is someone who does not blindly follow others but uses their own reason to form opinions and act accordingly.
Grammar & Word origin
Grammatically, mündig is an adjective. It does not change based on gender when used predicatively (e.g., "er ist mündig"), but it follows standard adjective declension rules when used attributively (e.g., "ein mündiger Mensch").
The word's origin is quite interesting. It stems from the Middle High German word "munt," which meant "protection" or "guardianship" (similar to the legal authority a guardian has over a child). Historically, being mündig meant being "out of protection"—essentially, no longer needing a guardian because one could protect and speak for oneself. While "Mund" today means "mouth," the historical link is more about the legal "voice" or power one gains.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms: erwachsen, reif, eigenverantwortlich, selbstständig, volljährig
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Examples
Mit achtzehn Jahren ist man mündig.adjective
At eighteen one is of age.
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