German word

brennend

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈbrɛnənt/

Meaning

  • adjectiveurgent

Example

Das ist ein brennendes Problem.

That is an urgent problem.

Illustration for brennend (urgent)

More examples

Die brennende Frage muss zuerst geklärt werden.

The pressing question must be clarified first.

Core concept

A problem glowing like a live ember, demanding attention before it spreads.

Common phrases

  • brennende Frage

    pressing question

  • ein brennendes Thema

    pressing issue

Similar words

dringend: Needing prompt action because delay leaves too little time.
eilig: Calling for haste because every moment or minute matters.
akut: Currently dangerous and liable to worsen rapidly.

Definition in German

Partizip-Prädikativ/Adjektiv, das eine Lage bezeichnet, die sofortiges Handeln erfordert.

Word origin

Brennend is formed from the present participle of German brennen, "to burn", whose literal danger extends metaphorically to matters requiring immediate attention.

Usage tips

  • In "ein brennendes Problem", brennendes has -es because Problem is neuter and the phrase is nominative or accusative singular.

Other meanings

  • pressingadjective
  • on fireadjective

Opposites

  • unwichtigunimportantadjective
  • nebensächlichminoradjective

Related words

  • Brennbarkeitcombustibilitynoun
  • brennbarcombustibleadjective
  • Brennpunktfocal pointnoun

Word lists with this word