verdorbener

Verdorbener is the comparative form of the German adjective verdorben, meaning spoiled, rotten, or morally corrupt. It is used to indicate a higher degree of spoilage or depravity than another item or person. The term can describe food as well as behaviors, traits, or moral states, depending on context.

Etymology and sense. Verdorben derives from the verb form with the prefix ver-, historically meaning spoiled or decayed. The comparative verdorbener is formed by adding the standard -er ending, as in other German adjectives. The word carries strong negative connotations in both culinary and moral senses, and its exact shade of meaning depends on the surrounding nouns and any intensifying modifiers.

Usage and examples. In culinary contexts one might say: "verdorbener Käse" or "verdorbene Früchte" to denote items that have spoiled beyond safe consumption. In moral or psychological contexts it can describe someone whose character or behavior is markedly corrupted: "ein verdorbener Mensch" or "verdorbene Gewohnheiten." The intensifier noch verdorbener (even more spoiled/corrupt) is common when comparing multiple subjects or over time.

Declension and grammar. Verdorbener is the masculine nominative singular form; feminine and neuter variants are verdorbene and verdorbenes, respectively. Plural uses verdorbene: "die verdorbenen Früchte." The adjective adopts endings according to whether it precedes a definite article, an indefinite article, or stands without one.

Translations. In English, verdorbener translates variably as "more spoiled," "more rotten" for edible items, or figuratively as "more depraved" or "more corrupt" for people or behavior, with the sense determined by context. See also verdorben, Verdorbenheit, and related moral vocabulary.