Gefährlichem

Gefährlichem is the dative singular form of the German adjective gefährlich, meaning dangerous. It occurs when the noun it describes is masculine or neuter in the dative case in a strong declension environment, typically without a definite determiner. Common examples include phrases such as in gefährlichem Gelände (in dangerous terrain) or mit gefährlichem Strom (with dangerous electrical current). The form reflects the adverbial or descriptive use of gefährlich in the dative.

Usage notes and grammar

In German, adjectives change their endings according to case, gender and the presence of determiners. When no definite article or limiting determiner is used, the strong declension yields endings like -em in the dative singular neuter or masculine, producing gefährlichem in many contexts. With a definite article or similar determiner, the endings are different (for example, dem gefährlichen Mann). In plural or other cases, other forms such as gefährliche, gefährliche, or gefährlichen may occur depending on the noun and determiner.

Etymology

The adjective gefährlich is derived from Gefahr (danger) with the suffix -lich, forming an adjective meaning dangerous. Gefahr itself comes from the Germanic word for danger and has cognates in other Germanic languages.

English equivalents and usage

Gefährlichem translates to “dangerous” when used in the dative singular masculine or neuter. It is mainly a grammatical form, not a standalone lexical entry; its use signals a description of danger in a specific grammatical case.