This is the 1271st most frequent Dutch word.
ernstige
Serious.
Here, "ernstige" describes the attribute of the situation, emphasizing its critical nature.
De ernstige situatie vroeg om onmiddellijke actie.
The serious situation demanded immediate action.
In this sentence, "ernstige" qualifies the type of mistake, highlighting its significance.
Hij maakte een ernstige fout tijdens de vergadering.
He made a serious mistake during the meeting.
"Ernstig" in this context intensifies the adjective "ziek" (ill), indicating the severity of her illness.