Erheblichsten

Erheblichsten is the superlative form of the German adjective erheblich, meaning substantial, significant or considerable. It is used to describe nouns in the sense of “the most substantial” or “the most significant,” as in discussions of changes, risks, or differences.

Usage and grammar: Erheblich is used attributively before nouns, and the form erheblicsten appears in the plural or in certain gendered forms after definite articles or possessive determiners. For example, die erheblichsten Veränderungen (the most significant changes) or die erheblichsten Risiken (the most substantial risks). In predicative or adverbial contexts, the adjective may appear in other degrees, and phrases such as am erheblichsten may be used to express the superlative degree more emphatically.

Examples: Die erheblichsten Unterschiede zwischen den beiden Ansätzen liegen in der Annahme X. Die erheblichsten Risiken bei dem Verfahren sollten sorgfältig abgewogen werden. Die Kosten stiegen erheblich, während der Nutzen am erheblichsten blieb.

Etymology and nuance: Erheblich originates from the verb erheben, with the sense “raised,” figuratively “raised in importance.” In modern German, erhebliche denotes something of notable or material importance or impact. The term is common in formal, technical, and scientific contexts, where it emphasizes measurable or meaningful magnitude rather than mere trivia. It is closely related to synonyms like bedeutsam, wesentlich, signifikant, and bedeutet.

See also: Bedeutung, Wesentlich, Signifikant, Bedeutend, Schweregrad.

Note: As a grammatical form, erheblicheten or similar endings change with gender, number, and case; the given form here typically appears before plural or certain feminine nouns in attributive position.