gewichtig
significant
Of great importance or significance; particularly serious and deserving of attention.
EXAMPLE
Für seine Entscheidung gab es mehrere gewichtige Gründe.
There were several significant reasons for his decision.
gewichtig
weighty / significant
gewichtig – gewichtiger – am gewichtigsten
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Meanings
gewichtig
heavy
Having a lot of weight or being physically heavy.
EXAMPLE
Der gewichtige Koffer ließ sich nur schwer tragen.
The heavy suitcase was difficult to carry.
gewichtig
influential
Having influence or authority and therefore being particularly effective or convincing.
EXAMPLE
Sie ist eine gewichtige Stimme in der internationalen Politik.
She is an influential voice in international politics.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry gewichtig, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
Comparison
| basic form | gewichtig |
|---|---|
| comparative | gewichtiger |
| superlative | am gewichtigsten |
After der, die, das
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -e | -e | -e | -en |
| acc. | -en | -e | -e | -en |
| dat. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| gen. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Add the ending to gewichtig.
After ein, eine
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -er | -e | -es | -en |
| acc. | -en | -e | -es | -en |
| dat. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| gen. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Add the ending to gewichtig.
Without article
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -er | -e | -es | -e |
| acc. | -en | -e | -es | -e |
| dat. | -em | -er | -em | -en |
| gen. | -en | -er | -en | -er |
Add the ending to gewichtig.
Usage tips
Word formation
'Gewichtig' (weighty) consists of 'Gewicht' (weight) and the ending '-ig' (-y). The basic idea of weight can refer to physical weight or, figuratively, to significance and influence.
EXAMPLE
Seine gewichtige Antwort ließ den Raum kurz verstummen.
His weighty response caused the room to fall silent for a moment.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'of great significance', 'gewichtig' (significant) is often used with 'Grund' (reason), 'Argument' (argument), 'Bedenken' (concerns), or 'Einwand' (objection).
EXAMPLE
Die Jury nahm ihre gewichtigen Bedenken sehr ernst.
The jury took her weighty concerns very seriously.
Expressing influence
To express influence or authority, 'gewichtig' (influential) is often used with 'Stimme' (voice), 'Persönlichkeit' (personality), or 'Vertreter' (representative). It then means that someone has particularly strong influence in a matter.
EXAMPLE
Als gewichtige Stimme in der Debatte wurde er häufig um Rat gebeten.
As an influential voice in the debate, he was often asked for advice.
Formal style
Especially in its figurative meanings, 'gewichtig' (weighty / significant) sounds rather elevated and is more common in written language. It frequently occurs in political, academic, or official texts.
EXAMPLE
Der Bericht enthält gewichtige Aussagen zur Zukunft des Bildungssystems.
The report contains significant statements about the future of the education system.
In real life
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