Wichtigste

Wichtigste is the superlative form of the German adjective wichtig, meaning most important. It is used to express the highest degree of importance in relation to a person, thing, or situation.

Grammatical use and forms

When used attributively before a noun, wichtigst e is written as w ichtigste and agrees in gender, case, and number: der wichtigste Punkt, die wichtigsten Punkte, das wichtigste Thema. In predicative position, after sein or other linking verbs, the form remains w ichtigste: Das ist der wichtigste Punkt. The noun form das Wichtigste exists and is capitalized when the adjective is nominalized to refer to “the most important thing” or “the essentials”: das Wichtigste, die Wichtigsten.

Common phrases and nuance

Wichtigste is often used to indicate priority or central concern, such as in lists, summaries, or headlines: Das Wichtigste zuerst. It also contrasts with less important aspects, e.g., Die wichtigsten Gründe gegen den Plan. In contexts emphasizing urgency or critical significance, the term carries a strong evaluative sense without specifying exact criteria.

Etymology and related terms

Wichtigste derives from the adjective wichtig, with the German superlative suffix -ste. The related noun form Wichtigkeit means importance or significance, while synonyms and near-synonyms include entscheidend, maßgeblich, and von größter Bedeutung.

See also

Wichtigkeit; wichtig; der wichtigste Punkt; das Wichtigste.