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German frequency list

No. 2,679 in German

ernsthaft

Serious or earnest.

In a sentence

  • Ich nehme deine Frage ernsthaft, weil sie wichtig ist.

    I take your question seriously because it is important.

    In this sentence, 'ernsthaft' is used as an adverb describing how the subject takes the action of 'taking the question'—in a serious and sincere manner.

  • Er ist ein ernsthafter Schüler, der viel Zeit mit Lernen verbringt.

    He is a serious student who spends a lot of time studying.

    Here, 'ernsthaft' is used as an adjective to describe the noun 'Schüler' (student), indicating that the student has a dedicated and committed attitude toward studying.

  • Kannst du wirklich ernsthaft behaupten, das ist die beste Lösung?

    Can you truly seriously claim that this is the best solution?

    In this example, 'ernsthaft' functions as an adverb modifying the verb 'behaupten' (claim), emphasizing the seriousness or sincerity of the claim being made.

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