pünktlicher

Pünktlicher is the comparative form of the German adjective pünktlich, which means punctual or on time. It is used to compare levels of punctuality between people, events, or schedules.

Usage and grammar

Pünktlicher expresses that something is more punctual than another thing or person. It is commonly used with a der-phrase and a comparison word such as als (than): Er ist pünktlicher als ich. In predicative position after sein, pünktlicher is used for all genders: Er ist pünktlicher. In attributive position, the form changes to agree with gender, number, and case, for example: ein pünktlicherer Termin (masculine, nominative), eine pünktlichere Lieferung (feminine, nominative), die pünktlichsten Termine (plural). The base adjective pünktlich remains the same in meaning, while the comparative form conveys a higher degree of punctuality.

Related terms

The related noun is Pünktlichkeit, meaning punctuality. Synonyms or near-synonyms in German can include zeitliche Genauigkeit or Zuverlässigkeit, depending on context. The concept emphasizes arriving at or completing events at the agreed or intended time.

Etymology and usage notes

Pünktlich derives from Punkt, meaning point, reflecting the idea of precision at a designated time. The comparative pünktlicher follows standard German adjective inflection rules, forming a higher degree of the quality. In everyday usage, pünktlicher is common in conversations about schedules, appointments, and timeliness, while the noun Pünktlichkeit is used when discussing the quality or value of being punctual in general.

Examples

- Er ist pünktlicher als früher.

- Der Termin heute war pünktlicher als der gestern.

- Ein pünktlicherer Termin wurde vereinbart.