persönlicherer

Persönlicherer is a nonstandard German form that functions as a comparative of the adjective persönlich. In standard German, the comparative of persönlich is persönlich er, written as persönlicher (for example: ein persönlicherer Kontakt would be considered the nonstandard double comparative, while the normative form is ein persönlicher Kontakt or, with emphasis, noch persönlicher Kontakt). The form persönlicherer is created by adding another -er to the already comparative form, resulting in a so-called double comparative. It is most commonly found in informal speech, marketing, and online writing, where speakers seek strong emphasis.

Usage and reception

The use of persönlicherer is widespread in colloquial contexts, especially in advertising or sensational prose, but it is generally regarded as nonstandard by prescriptive grammar guides. In formal writing, editors and style guides typically recommend avoiding double comparatives and instead using alternatives such as noch persönlicher, viel persönlicher, or a rephrased construction (for example, ein noch persönlicherer Ton is often replaced by ein noch persönlicherer Ton in informal texts, whereas in formal contexts one would opt for eine noch persönlichere Ansprache or simply einen persönlicheren Ton without stacking). The perception of persönlicherer ranges from colloquial intensification to stylistic choice dependent on register.

Etymology and relation to other forms

Persönlicherer derives from the base adjective persönlich, whose standard comparative is persönlicher. The form persönlicherer represents a further intensification by appending -er to the comparative, a pattern sometimes termed a double comparative or Doppelsteigerung. In most formal grammars, it is treated as nonstandard or informal, and preferred alternatives are recommended for precision and clarity.