geringer

Geringer is a German adjective that functions as the comparative form of gering, meaning small, meager, or minor. It is used to express a lesser degree or amount in comparison with another item and can modify nouns or appear in predicate constructions.

In usage, geringer often appears in attributive position with the appropriate article or article-like determiner, for example: ein geringerer Betrag (a smaller amount) or eine geringere Wahrscheinlichkeit (a lower probability). It can also appear in comparative clauses, as in Die Kosten sind geringer als erwartet (The costs are lower than expected). The related noun form das Geringe refers to the smallness or insignificance of something, as in das Geringe zu beachten (the smallness/insignificance must be noted).

Declension and agreement follow standard German adjective rules. With no article, strong endings are used (geringe Chancen, geringes Risiko). With an article or determiner, endings adjust accordingly (ein geringerer Betrag, die geringe Wahrscheinlichkeit).

Etymology traces gering to the historical Germanic root meaning small or scant. The word has cognates in other Germanic languages, such as Dutch gering. It is distinct from related but different terms like geringfügig (minor, incidental) or geringwertig (low-grade).

See also terms commonly used in related contexts include geringfügig, geringwertig, and gering, which share the sense of smallness or insignificance but appear in different phrases and nuances. In modern German, geringer remains a standard, neutral descriptor in formal, technical, and everyday language.