verantwortungsvollere

Verantwortungsvollere is a grammatical form in German. It functions as the comparative form of the adjective verantwortungsvoll, meaning “more responsible.” It is not a standalone noun or a separate concept, but a way to compare levels of responsibility.

Formation and usage: The base meaning comes from Verantwortung (responsibility) combined with the suffix -voll (full of). The comparative suffix -er yields forms such as verantwortungsvoller for singular usage and verantwortungsvollere for plural usage in certain contexts. In everyday writing, the bare comparative verantwortungsvollere is typically found directly before a plural noun without an article or determiner, as in verantwortungsvollere Maßnahmen (more responsible measures). When a definite article or other determiner precedes the noun, the adjective is declined according to standard German grammar, producing forms like die verantwortungsvolleren Maßnahmen in the nominative plural.

Applications: The term is used to describe actions, policies, or groups that exhibit a greater degree of responsibility relative to others. It can refer to individuals, organizations, or approaches. Examples include phrases such as verantwortungsvollere Entscheidungen (more responsible decisions), verantwortungsvollere Unternehmen (more responsible companies), or verantwortungsvollere Führer (more responsible leaders).

Context and nuance: As a comparative adjective, verantwortungsvollere emphasizes relative improvement rather than absolute quality. It appears across formal and informal registers, including political discourse, corporate ethics, and everyday evaluation of conduct. Alternatives to convey similar nuance include phrases like verantwortungsvollere Maßnahmen or besser verantwortliche Handlungen, depending on the exact emphasis.

See also: verantwortungsvoll, Verantwortung, responsibility in German grammar.