TOPIC · Adjectives (Adjektive)

Adjective from Adjective or Verb

B1

After this lesson, you will be able to correctly form adjectives from other adjectives and verbs in German.

In this lesson, we will explore how to form adjectives in German from other adjectives and verbs. Understanding these structures is essential for expanding your vocabulary and enhancing your language skills.

Adjectives from Other Adjectives

One common method to create new adjectives is by using prefixes. These prefixes are added before the base word and change its meaning. Here are some examples:

Base WordPrefixNew AdjectiveMeaning of New Adjective
diskretin-indiskretnot discreet (offensive)
interessiertdes-desinteressiertnot interested
höflichun-unhöflichnot polite
rationalir-irrationalnot rational

There are also prefixes that create antonyms:

Base WordPrefixNew AdjectiveMeaning
alkoholischanti-antialkoholischagainst alcohol
produktivkontra-kontraproduktivnot productive
verständlichmiss-missverständlichnot understandable

Moreover, adjectives can also be formed through combinations:

  • Adjective + Adjective: hellblau (light blue), dunkelblau (dark blue)
  • Verb + Adjective: wissbegierig (eager to learn)

Adjectives from Verbs

Another way to form adjectives is from verbs. This is usually done by adding suffixes after the verb stem. Here are some suffixes:

VerbSuffixNew AdjectiveMeaning
machen-barmachbarpossible to make
sparen-samsparsameconomical in use
spenden-abelspendabelgenerous regarding money
bedrohen-lichbedrohlichperceived as a threat
schlafen-losschlaflosunable to sleep

Additionally, participles can be used as adjectives:

  • Participle I: fragen → fragend (asking)
  • Participle II: gefährden → gefährdet (endangered)

With this understanding, you can now more easily form adjectives from other adjectives and verbs.

Summary

Understanding and applying these methods will significantly improve your expression in the German language.