ernstzunehmendes

Ernstzunehmendes is a German noun formed from the phrase ernst nehmen, meaning “to take seriously.” It designates an issue, matter, or element that warrants serious consideration or priority. The term is used primarily in formal, political, or academic discourse to mark something as consequential or urgent enough to demand attention.

Form and usage: Ernstzunehmendes is a neuter noun. In singular, it commonly appears as das Ernstzunehmende; declined forms include des Ernstzunehmenden, dem Ernstzunehmenden, and das Ernstzunehmende. In plural, the form is die Ernstzunehmenden. While it occurs in written, formal language, it is less common in everyday speech, where alternatives like das wichtige Thema or die ernst zu nehmende Angelegenheit are more usual. The expression often accompanies adjectives or other nouns, for example: ein ernstzunehmendes Risiko (a risk that must be taken seriously) or das Ernstzunehmende in der Debatte (the matter that deserves serious consideration in the debate).

Usage notes: The term emphasizes significance and urgency and is typically used to foreground issues that require policy, legal, or strategic responses. It can be contrasted with terms for routine or minor matters, or with more general adjectives like ernsthaft or bedeutsam.

See also: ernstnehmen, Ernstfall, ernsthafte Angelegenheit, politische Debatte. Translation considerations: in English, it is often rendered as “the matter that must be taken seriously” or “the serious issue,” depending on context.