ausführlicher

Ausführlicher is the comparative form of the German adjective ausführlich, meaning detailed, thorough, or comprehensive. It describes a higher degree of detail or elaboration in descriptions, explanations, reports, plans, or narratives. The term is common in formal and semi-formal writing as well as in spoken German when contrasting levels of detail.

Etymology and meaning: Ausführlich derives from ausführen, to carry out or execute, with the suffix -lich forming an adjective. Historically, it conveys the sense of something being carried out in detail or expanded. The nuance is that an ausführlicher text or explanation provides more information, specifics, and depth than a less detailed counterpart.

Usage and grammar: Ausführlicher functions as a normal attributive adjective and as a predicate adjective. In attributive position it inflects according to gender, number, and case, for example: der ausführlichere Bericht (masc nominative), eine ausführlichere Beschreibung (fem nominative), das ausführlichere Protokoll (neuter nominative). The comparative form appears as ausführlicher, and the superlative as am ausführlichsten. In sentences without a definite determiner the form changes accordingly, e.g., ein ausführlicherer Bericht, einen ausführlicheren Bericht. It is typically used in contexts where precision and completeness are emphasized, such as academic writing, journalism, and technical documentation.

Nuance and synonyms: Ausführlich conveys depth and breadth of detail. Closely related terms include detailliert (more about individual details), gründlich (thorough in a broader sense), and umfassend (comprehensive in scope). Choosing zwischen ihnen depends on whether the focus is on detail, thoroughness, or overall scope.

Examples: Der Bericht ist deutlich ausführlicher als der ursprüngliche Entwurf. Wir benötigen eine ausführlichere Erläuterung der Vorgehensweise. Die Anleitung war ausführlicher, als erwartet.