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 describe a serious mistake. Schwer generally assesses its high degree of severity. Gravierend emphasizes more strongly that the mistake has significant or far-reaching consequences, so it is especially appropriate when those consequences are the focus.
Die Prüferin entdeckte im Bericht einen gravierenden Fehler, der das Ergebnis völlig veränderte.
The examiner discovered a serious mistake in the report that completely changed the result.
Die Prüferin entdeckte im Bericht einen schweren Fehler.
The examiner discovered a serious mistake in the report.
