vollsten

Vollsten is the superlative form of the German adjective voll, meaning full or complete. It expresses the highest degree of fullness or completeness and is used to compare one item against others within the same category. The form is created by adding the standard superlative ending -sten to the stem voll, and it appears most commonly with definite determiners (der, die, das) or demonstratives.

In usage, vollsten typically appears in phrases such as der vollste Wein (the fullest wine), die vollsten Gläser (the fullest glasses), or die vollsten Beweise (the most compelling proofs). In plural constructions with a definite article, the form is die vollsten; in singular neuter or masculine forms with a definite article, examples include der vollste Wein, das vollste Glas. The adjective agrees with the noun in gender, number, and case, following the standard German declension rules for adjectives after determiners.

Etymology and development: voll derives from Old High German voll and Proto-Germanic roots meaning “full.” The modern superlative ending -sten is a common German formation for adjectives to express the utmost degree.

Usage notes: Vollsten is primarily used to describe physical fullness or abstract completeness. In contexts emphasizing thoroughness or perfection, etwa in academic or technical language, vollständig or vollständigkeitsbezüge (vollständig, Vollständigkeit) may be preferred to convey a sense of thoroughness rather than mere fullness. The adverbial form am vollsten exists, but more common alternatives such as am vollständigsten may be used depending on context.

See also: voll, vollständig, Vollständigkeit, Superlative (grammar).