ziemliches

Ziemliches is the neuter singular attributive form of the German adjective ziemlich. The word ziemlich functions as both an adverb meaning “quite,” “fairly,” or “considerably,” and as a predeterminer before a noun to indicate a substantial degree. Before neuter singular nouns, the attributive form appears as ziemliches or ziemliches without a definite article, as in ein ziemliches Problem or ziemliches Chaos. With a definite article the ending changes to ziemliche: das ziemliche Problem, das ziemliche Chaos. The feminine and plural forms are ziemliche (eine ziemliche Sache, ziemliche Probleme). The masculine form in nominative singular is ziemlicher Mann.

In practice, ziemliches is used most often when describing a neuter noun in singular without a definite article or with an indefinite article. For example: Es war ziemliches Chaos. Das war ein ziemliches Problem. These constructions convey that something is notably large in degree or extent, but the degree is not stated as absolutely extreme.

Etymology and history trace ziemlich to Middle High German zîmlich, from a root meaning fitting or proper, which over time developed the degree meaning “quite” or “considerable.” Today it is one of the most common modifiers in everyday German, especially in informal speech.

Usage notes: as an adverb, ziemlich attaches to adjectives and verbs (ziemlich gut, ziemlich schnell) and is often used to moderate statements. It is generally less strong than sehr or extrem. In written style, selecting between ziemlich and more precise terms like ordentlich or erheblich depends on the desired nuance.

See also: recht, ordentlichen, erheblich, deutlich.