ehrlicher

Ehrlicher is the comparative form of the German adjective ehrlich, meaning “more honest” or “more sincere.” It is used to compare honesty between two or more people, statements, or actions. In everyday language it appears in predicates, as in “Er ist ehrlicher geworden” (He has become more honest), and in attributive position to modify a noun, as in “eine ehrlichere Einschätzung” (a more honest assessment) or “der ehrlichere Mann” (the more honest man).

Etymology and form

The word ehrlich derives from Old High German and is connected to the sense of honor and integrity. The comparative suffix -er is added to form ehrlicher, which then inflects like other German adjectives according to gender, number, and case. In practice this yields forms such as “der ehrlichere Mann” (the more honest man) and “die ehrlichere Frau” (the more honest woman). In predicative use, the form remains ehrlicher in phrases like “Er ist ehrlicher” (He is more honest) or “Sie ist ehrlicher als vorher” (She is more honest than before).

Usage notes

- The comparative expresses a relative degree of honesty, not an absolute trait.

- German adjective inflections mean endings vary with the article and the noun’s gender and case; examples include der ehrlichere Mann, die ehrlichere Frau, ein ehrlicherer Mann, and eine ehrlichere Einschätzung.

- Ehrlicher is primarily descriptive or evaluative and is commonly contrasted with other adjectives such as aufrichtig, vertrauenswürdig, or integral to discuss honesty and sincerity.

See also

ehrlich, Aufrichtigkeit, Ehrlichkeit (honesty), German comparative forms.