German Conversation · Level 37
75 words
German word
ernsthaft
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈɛɐ̯nsthaft/
Meaning
- adverbseriously
Example
Sagst du das ernsthaft?
Are you saying that seriously?
More examples
Er arbeitet ernsthaft an dem Projekt.
He is working seriously on the project.
Core concept
Words or actions carry real weight, with no playful or pretend layer.
Common phrases
es ernsthaft meinen
mean it seriously
ernsthaft überlegen
think seriously
ernsthaft arbeiten
work seriously
Similar words
wirklich: Used to strongly affirm that something is genuinely true.
im Ernst: A brief question expressing surprise or doubt about whether something is serious.
ehrlich: Used to signal that something is said frankly and without dishonesty.
tatsächlich: Used to show that a situation or fact really is as stated.
Definition in German
mit ernst gemeinter Absicht sprechen oder handeln; nicht als Scherz gemeint sein
Word origin
Ernsthaft comes from ernst, related to Old High German ernust and English earnest, plus the suffix -haft meaning having the quality of.
Usage tips
- As a standalone question, "Ernsthaft?" often checks whether a surprising statement is genuine or expresses disbelief.
Other meanings
- gravelyadverb
Opposites
- lockercasuallyadverb
- spielerischplayfullyadverb
Related words
- Ernsthaftigkeitseriousnessnoun
- ernstgemeintseriously meantadjective