scharfer

Scharfer is the comparative form of the German adjective scharf, meaning sharp, spicy, or intense. It is used to indicate that something has greater sharpness or heat than another thing. In culinary contexts, schärfer describes foods with higher pungency or spiciness, for example, “Chili ist schärfer als Pfeffer.” In non-culinary contexts, it can describe the intensity of a scent, a blade, or a tone of voice, as in “ein schärferer Ton” or “eine schärfere Kritik.”

Grammar notes: As an attributive adjective, schärfer or schärfere appears with articles: “der schärfere Pfeffer” or “die schärfere Paprika.” The comparative is formed from scharf by adding the ending -er and, in inflected positions, may involve a stem change (schärfer). In predicative use, one says “Der Pfeffer ist schärfer.”

Etymology and usage: The term derives from the adjective scharf, from Germanic roots meaning having an edge or bite. It appears in German-language texts to convey physical sharpness, spiciness, or figurative intensity.

Other senses: Scharfer is also a German surname, found in German-speaking countries. It is relatively uncommon but attested as a last name.