The article considers the formation of the concept of existential. Particular attention is paid to the concept of existential in the philosophical works of S. Kierkegaard and M. Heidegger, as well as what is the ratio of the concepts of existence and essence. The origin and formation of the concept of existential, the difference between Dasein and existence in the philosophy of M. Heidegger are analyzed. Existence is the unique internal being of individuals, the subject of existence is a person, a characteristic way of being, the foundation of which is being-in-the-world, and essence is a combination of abstract concepts. Existence is expressed in the tension between the borderline states, in the desire for transcendence. Dasein defines existence, existence grows from Dasein, everything that is a consequence of Dasein acts as an existential. Dasein is the basis of all existentials, and the existence is situational in nature. Existential is understood as an ontological value state of being, lived by a person. Existential is a category of being, a mode of existence, serves to transition from the psychological (human being) to the ontological (being in general), connecting in the anthropoontological aspect of being, is a mediator, a medium between the ontology of the world and the ontology of man, acts as a universal core of the inner human existence.