ernster
Translation
more serious, graver, more earnest
Examples
Die Lage ist ernster als gedacht.
The situation is more serious than thought.
Er hat einen ernsteren Blick als sonst.
He has a more serious look than usual.
Grammar Patterns
as a predicative adjective ((than ...)) to be more serious than ... The situation is more serious than yesterday.
as an attributive adjective ((+ Noun)) a more serious ... a more serious problem
Similar Words
Synonyms: seriöser, wichtiger; Antonyms: lockerer, leichter, lustiger
Etymology
The comparative form of the adjective 'ernst' (serious). The '-er' suffix is added to form the comparative, meaning 'more'.
Memory Tips
Think of the English word 'earnest'. The German comparative ending '-er' works just like the English one, so 'ernster' means 'more earnest' or 'more serious'.