herzlicher

Herzlicher is the attributive form of the German adjective herzlich, meaning heart­felt or cordial. It is used before nouns to express warmth, sincerity, or friendliness, particularly in greetings, thanks, and polite exchanges. The form changes with gender, number, and case: ein herzlicher Gruß (masculine singular, nominative), eine herzliche Begrüßung (feminine singular, nominative), herzliche Grüße (plural).

Etymology and meaning: herzlich derives from Herz (heart) with the suffix -lich, forming a word that originally meant “from the heart.” Over time it came to convey genuine warmth and friendliness in social and formal contexts. Herzlicher thus marks a stronger or more personal degree of cordiality when used before a noun.

Usage and grammar: In written and spoken German, herzlich is commonly used in closing phrases and compliments. In the attributive position, adjective endings depend on the article and the noun’s gender and number, as in ein herzlicher Gruß, eine herzliche Begrüßung, or herzliche Grüße. Predicative use after sein is also possible: Der Empfang war herzlich. The comparative form is not typically used in this sense; instead, related phrases emphasize different levels of warmth, such as freundliche Grüße or herzlicher Dank.

Examples: Ich wünsche Ihnen herzliche Grüße. Wir senden Ihnen herzliche Grüße aus dem Urlaub. Der Empfang war herzlich. Eine herzliche Geste kann viel bewirken. In common closings, people write Mit herzlichen Grüßen. Related expressions include herzlicher Dank and herzlich willkommen.