01
gerichtet an
directed at
Addressed to or directed toward a specific person, group, or thing.
example
Die Frage des Journalisten war direkt an die Kanzlerin gerichtet.
The journalist's question was directed straight at the chancellor.
gerichtet
directed
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
'Gerichtet' (directed) is the past participle of the verb 'richten' (to direct / to judge / to prepare). The different meanings of the adjective, such as addressing, aiming, preparing, and judging, come from the different meanings of this verb.
EXAMPLE
Er richtete seine ganze Aufmerksamkeit auf das Problem.
He directed all his attention to the problem.
Important prepositions
The preposition after 'gerichtet' (directed) is very important. 'Gerichtet an' (+ accusative) means 'addressed to'. 'Gerichtet auf' (+ accusative) means 'aimed at' or 'directed at'.
EXAMPLE
Meine Kritik war nicht an dich persönlich gerichtet.
My criticism was not directed at you personally.
Typical combinations
In the meaning 'addressed to', 'gerichtet' (directed) often appears with words of communication. Typical examples are: 'eine Frage/ein Brief/ein Appell gerichtet an jemanden' (a question/a letter/an appeal addressed to someone).
EXAMPLE
Der offene Brief war an die gesamte Belegschaft gerichtet.
The open letter was addressed to the entire staff.
Register and region
The meaning 'zubereitet' (prepared) or 'angerichtet' (served/arranged) for food is outdated or still used only in some regions, especially in the south of the German-speaking area. It is rare in standard German.
EXAMPLE
Die Großmutter fragte: „Ist das Mittagessen schon gerichtet?“
The grandmother asked, 'Is lunch ready yet?'
Historical context
The meaning 'verurteilt' (condemned) or 'hingerichtet' (executed) is used almost exclusively in a historical or legal context. It refers to the judgment of a court or to an execution.
EXAMPLE
Der Dieb wurde vom Richter gerichtet und ins Gefängnis geschickt.
The thief was judged by the judge and sent to prison.
Compare with
gerichtet vs gezielt
targeted
'gezielt' and 'gerichtet' can both express that something is aimed at a goal or directed toward someone. However, 'gezielt' emphasizes the intention and clear purpose of an action more strongly. You do something deliberately in order to achieve a specific result. 'gerichtet' is more about where or to whom something goes, for example a question directed at a person or a look in a certain direction. The words can be confused because both have to do with direction or orientation. A practical tip: 'gezielt' fits planned, purposeful action, while 'gerichtet' fits direction or addressee.
gerichtet
Die Frage war direkt an meinen Kollegen gerichtet.
The question was directed straight at my colleague.
gezielt
Für die Prüfung übt Lena gezielt die Aufgaben, die ihr noch schwerfallen.
For the exam, Lena is specifically practicing the tasks she still finds difficult.
In real life
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