nördlicher

Nördlicher is the comparative form of the German adjective nördlich, meaning more northerly or toward the north. It is used to compare two or more entities with regard to their geographic position or orientation relative to the north.

Etymology and form: The word derives from Nord (north) combined with the suffix -lich. The comparative ending -er is added to form nördlicher. Depending on gender, number, and article, the ending for attributive use varies (for example: der nördlichere Teil, die nördlichere Region, das nördlichere Gebiet, die nördlicheren Teile).

Usage: Nördlicher is common in geography, meteorology, and everyday description when specifying which object lies farther north. Examples include: Der nördlichere Teil Deutschlands ist kühler; Der nördlichere Wind kommt aus dem Norden. In comparisons with zwei or more items one may say: Das nördlichere Gebiet hat kältere Winter als das südlichere Gebiet.

Related terms: Nordwärts and nordwärtslichlich are directional alternatives, while northerly winds are described as nördlicher Wind. Compound directions such as nordöstlich, nordwestlich specify compass points that include the north as a component.

Notes: In usage, the form changes with the noun’s gender and article, mirroring standard German adjective declension. In many contexts, especially in scientific or descriptive writing, nördlicher directly conveys a higher degree of northerliness than nördlich, and can be followed by als to compare: nördlicher als. The superlative form is nördlichste (the most northerly).