hinfällig
The English adjective 'moot' (meaning having no practical importance) is translated into German as hinfällig.
hinfällig is used to describe arguments, points or conditions that have become irrelevant or invalid due to new developments.
Meaning: having no practical importance (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word hinfällig is composed of the prefix hin, meaning away or off and fällig, meaning falling or due, literally suggesting something that has fallen away or is no longer valid.
Which one should you use?
While the English word 'moot' can mean 'open to debate', the German hinfällig only carries the meaning of being irrelevant or invalid.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as a predicative adjective (for example, Das Argument ist hinfällig), hinfällig does not change its form based on the gender of the noun it modifies.
Did you know?
- In a medical context, hinfällig can describe a person who has become frail or physically decayed, moving beyond a simple lack of logical relevance.
- The term hinfällig shares a linguistic cousin in the word fällig, which means 'due' in the context of an unpaid invoice.
- The root word fällig shares a connection with the English word 'fall', which helps explain why something hinfällig is perceived as having 'fallen away'.
Examples in context
- Die Frage ist irrelevant, da bereits eine Entscheidung getroffen wurde.The issue is moot since a decision has already been made.
- Diese Diskussion ist völlig hinfällig.This discussion is completely moot.
- Seine Argumente sind mittlerweile hinfällig.His arguments are moot by now.
- Die alte Planung ist hinfällig geworden.The old planning has become moot.
Example conversation
Sarah and Julian are discussing a project that has been cancelled.
- SarahIst der alte Plan noch relevant?Is the old plan still relevant?
- JulianNein, das ist jetzt hinfällig.No, that is moot now.
- SarahDas ist wirklich schade.That is really a shame.
- JulianWir müssen einfach neu anfangen.We just have to start over.
