das Ernste
Translation
something serious, a serious matter
Examples
Wir müssen über etwas Ernstes reden.
We need to talk about something serious.
Das ist nichts Ernstes, nur eine Erkältung.
It's nothing serious, just a cold.
Grammar Patterns
((something serious)) something serious We need to talk about something serious.
Similar Words
Synonyms: eine ernste Angelegenheit, etwas Wichtiges; Antonyms: etwas Leichtes, etwas Lustiges
Etymology
A nominalized adjective from 'ernst' (serious). The '-es' ending indicates a neuter noun, often used after 'etwas' (something).
Memory Tips
Connect it to the English word 'earnest'. 'Etwas Ernstes' is an 'earnest' matter.