Ansehnlich

Ansehnlich is an adjective in German that describes something as worthy of being seen or as having a noteworthy appearance or extent. It is used in two main senses.

First, it can mean substantial or considerable in amount, value, or extent. In this sense, an item or result is described as ansehnlich when it is large or important. Examples include “eine ansehnliche Summe,” “eine ansehnliche Leistung,” or “eine ansehnliche Anzahl.” In this use, synonyms such as beachtlich, beträchtlich, and stattlich are common.

Second, ansehnlich can refer to visual appeal or a respectable appearance. When applied to people or objects, it indicates that someone or something looks reasonably attractive or presentable. Examples are “eine ansehnliche Dame” or “eine ansehnliche Erscheinung.” In modern everyday language this sense is often replaced by terms like gutaussehend, attraktiv, or hübsch, depending on context. The word here tends to feel somewhat formal or slightly old-fashioned.

Etymology: the adjective derives from the verb sehen (to see) with the suffix -lich, originally conveying “worthy of being looked at.” Over time the sense broadened to cover not only appearance but also size or significance.

Usage notes: Ansehnlich is more common in written or formal contexts. For size or value, it emphasizes a positive, sizable amount; for appearance, it signals a respectable or pleasing look but may come across as traditional rather than colloquial.

Related forms: Ansehnlichkeit (appearance or looks) and Ansehen (reputation or esteem), which are related but distinct in meaning.