schwerwiegend
Translation
serious, grave, severe, weighty
Examples
Das war ein schwerwiegender Fehler.
That was a serious mistake.
Die Folgen sind schwerwiegend.
The consequences are severe.
Grammar Patterns
((as an adjective)) as an adjective before a noun He made a serious mistake.
Similar Words
Synonyms: ernst (serious), gravierend (grave), erheblich (considerable); Antonyms: geringfügig (minor), unbedeutend (insignificant)
Etymology
A compound of 'schwer' (heavy) and 'wiegend' (weighing), the present participle of 'wiegen' (to weigh). Literally 'heavy-weighing'.
Memory Tips
Think of an issue that 'weighs heavily' on a decision or situation, making it serious.