auffälliger

Auffälliger is the comparative form of the German adjective auffällig, meaning conspicuous, noticeable, or striking. It is used to express that something is more noticeable than another thing. Examples: Der neue Hut ist auffälliger als der alte. Sie trägt auffälligere Kleidung als früher. In predicative use: Der Mann ist auffälliger geworden.

In attributive position it follows normal German adjective declension: ein auffälliger Mann, eine auffällige Bluse, die auffälligsten Merkmale. The exact endings depend on gender, number and determiner, for example der auffälligere Mann (masculine, nominative with definite article), eine auffälligere Frau (feminine, nominative with indefinite article).

Semantics and nuance: auffällig can be neutral or negative depending on context. It can simply mean “to stand out,” but it can also imply excess or inappropriate conspicuousness. The comparative auffälliger emphasizes a greater degree of conspicuousness, which can influence perception, judgment, or emphasis in communication.

Etymology and related forms: auffällig is formed from auf- (on, up) + fallen (to fall), conveying “to stand out.” The noun form is Auffälligkeit (conspicuity, conspicuousness). Related terms include auffälliger Stil (more conspicuous style) and auffällige Merkmale (conspicuous features).

Usage notes: auffälliger is not a proper noun. It is used across formal and informal registers to compare levels of conspicuousness in people, objects, behavior, or phenomena. The sense remains context-dependent, balancing neutral observation against evaluative meaning.