serious / severe
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serious / severe
Very serious, significant, or far-reaching in its consequences. The word is used to emphasize the seriousness of problems, mistakes, or differences.
Der Fehler in der Buchhaltung hatte gravierende finanzielle Konsequenzen.
The error in the accounting had serious financial consequences.
The word 'gravierend' (serious/severe) is related to 'Gravitation' (gravity) and derives from the idea of 'weight'. Something 'Gravierendes' (something serious) therefore figuratively carries a lot of weight and is thus serious or significant.
Die Entscheidung der Regierung hatte gravierende Auswirkungen auf die Wirtschaft.
The government's decision had serious effects on the economy.
'Gravierend' (serious/severe) is a formal word used mainly in written language, in the news, or in official reports. In everyday conversation it often sounds very elevated.
Der Bericht deckte gravierende Mängel bei der Sicherheit auf.
The report revealed serious deficiencies in safety.
This adjective is used almost exclusively with abstract nouns. Typical combinations are 'gravierende Folgen' (serious consequences), 'gravierende Fehler' (serious mistakes), 'gravierende Probleme' (serious problems), or 'gravierende Unterschiede' (serious differences).
Zwischen den beiden Versionen des Plans gibt es gravierende Unterschiede.
There are serious differences between the two versions of the plan.
heavy / difficult
'schwer' and 'gravierend' can both express that something is serious or bad. 'schwer' is often used for illnesses, injuries, mistakes, or problems, and is very common in everyday language. 'gravierend' emphasizes more strongly that something has great importance or serious consequences. It sounds more factual and somewhat more formal. For example, you say 'eine schwere Verletzung' (a serious injury), but for a major mistake with consequences, 'ein gravierender Fehler' (a serious mistake) fits especially well.
Der Fehler im Bericht war gravierend, weil dadurch falsche Zahlen weitergegeben wurden.
The error in the report was serious because it led to incorrect figures being passed on.
Nach dem Unfall hatte der Fahrer eine schwere Verletzung am Bein.
After the accident, the driver had a serious injury to his leg.