Kürzer

Kürzer is the comparative form of the German adjective kurz, meaning “short.” It is used to indicate that something has less length, duration, or extent than something else, and it forms part of standard German comparative constructions.

In grammar and usage, kürzer can function predicatively after a linking verb, as in Der Weg ist kürzer. It also appears in comparisons introduced by als, as in Dieser Weg ist kürzer als der andere. When used attributively before a noun, the adjective inflects to agree with gender and case: ein kürzerer Weg (masculine nominative), eine kürzere Version (feminine nominative), ein kürzeres Maß (neuter nominative). The stem often undergoes umlaut in the comparative, so kurz becomes kürzer, and the superlative is am kürzesten. The word can also appear in phrases such as “kurzer Weg” in simplified or elliptical uses.

Etymology and related terms: Kürzer derives from kurz with the comparative suffix -er, and the umlaut in the stem reflects a common pattern in German the formation of comparatives. Related terms include kurz (short), Kürze (conciseness or brevity), and kürzeste (the shortest). The form is primarily used in German-language contexts.

Other uses: Kürzer also exists as a German surname. As a surname, it may denote lineage or origin associated with the root meaning “short” or an occupational nickname related to shortening or trimming. Notable individuals with the surname Kürzer may be found in German-speaking regions, but specific examples are not listed here.