lauter
louder
The comparative form of 'laut' (loud); describes a higher volume or intensity of a sound.
EXAMPLE
Kannst du bitte die Musik etwas lauter machen?
Can you please turn the music up a little louder?
lauter
louder / nothing but / honest
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
lauter
nothing but
Used as a particle or adverb and means 'nothing but', 'exclusively', or 'only'. It emphasizes that a group consists only of a certain kind of thing or person.
EXAMPLE
Auf dem Tisch standen lauter leckere Sachen.
There were nothing but delicious things on the table.
lauter
honest / pure
Describes a person or intention as sincere, honest, pure, and without deceit. This meaning is rather formal or elevated.
EXAMPLE
Er ist ein Mann von lauterem Charakter, dem man vertrauen kann.
He is a man of honest character whom one can trust.
Usage tips
Adjective or particle?
The form of 'lauter' reveals its meaning. As the comparative of 'laut' (loud) or with the meaning 'honest', it is declined like a normal adjective. In the meaning 'ausschließlich' (exclusively) or 'nichts als' (nothing but), it is an invariable particle and is never declined.
EXAMPLE
Er erzählte lauter lustige Geschichten.
He told nothing but funny stories.
Comparative of 'laut'
In this meaning, 'lauter' is the comparative form of 'laut' (loud). It is used for comparing sounds, often in the structure 'lauter als ...' (louder than ...).
EXAMPLE
Ein Düsenjet ist viel lauter als ein Auto.
A jet plane is much louder than a car.
Use as a particle
As a particle, 'lauter' means 'nichts als' (nothing but) or 'ausschließlich' (exclusively) and emphasizes a large amount of the same thing. It stands directly before a noun (usually in the plural) and always remains unchanged.
EXAMPLE
Auf der Party waren lauter nette Leute.
There were nothing but nice people at the party.
Elevated style
The meaning 'ehrlich' (honest) or 'aufrichtig' (sincere) is rare and belongs to elevated written language. You often find it in literature or formal speeches to describe a person's character.
EXAMPLE
Sie war eine Frau von lauterem Herzen und reinen Absichten.
She was a woman of honest heart and pure intentions.
In real life
Loading video examples...