gefährliches

Gefährliches is a form of the German adjective gefährlich, meaning dangerous. It is the neuter singular form used as an attributive adjective, typically preceding a noun. In practice, it is most common in constructions without a definite article or with a strong declension, for example gefährliches Tier. When a definite article is present, the adjective takes the ending appropriate to the definite article, as in das gefährliche Tier. With an indefinite article, the form is ein gefährliches Tier.

Etymology and meaning: gefährlich derives from Gefahr, meaning danger, plus the adjectival suffix -lich. The result is a widespread adjective used to describe things that pose risk, harm, or threat. The base meaning remains constant across its inflected forms.

Grammar notes: German adjectives decline according to case, gender, number, and article presence. For neuter singular nouns:

- No article or a strong declension: gefährliches Tier (nominative/accusative)

- With definite article: das gefährliche Tier

- With indefinite article: ein gefährliches Tier

The form gefährliches appears in the strong declension, while gefährliche is used after a definite article. The adjective can also function as a nominalized noun when capitalized, as in das Gefährliche, meaning “the dangerous thing” or “the danger.”

Usage: gefährliches is employed across safety, science, media, and everyday language to describe devices, environments, or situations that require caution. It frequently appears in warnings, technical descriptions, and risk assessments.

See also: dangerous, gefährlich (base form), nominalized adjectives in German.

Note: The article focuses on the form gefährliches as an attributive adjective; it is not a standalone noun in standard usage unless nominalized.