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oberst
topmost
The superlative of 'ober'; refers to the highest position in a ranking, hierarchy, or spatial arrangement.
example
Das Buch liegt auf dem obersten Regalbrett.
The book is on the topmost shelf.
oberst
topmost
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Meanings
Usage tips
Superlative form
'Oberst' (topmost) is the superlative form of the adjective 'ober' (upper, which is itself already a kind of comparative) and means 'highest'. It is used to refer to the top of a spatial or hierarchical order.
EXAMPLE
Der Präsident ist der oberste Befehlshaber der Armee.
The president is the supreme commander of the army.
Use in a sentence
'Oberst' (topmost) is almost always used directly before a noun and with a definite article, because it refers to a unique, highest position. Predicative use (e.g., 'Das Brett ist oberst') is very unusual.
EXAMPLE
Die Akten findest du im obersten Fach des Schranks.
You’ll find the files in the top compartment of the cabinet.
Typical collocations
The word is used both for spatial height and for rankings. Typical collocations are 'das oberste Stockwerk' (the top floor) in a spatial sense, as well as 'die oberste Priorität' (top priority) or 'das oberste Gebot' (the highest commandment) in a hierarchical sense.
EXAMPLE
Sicherheit hat für uns oberste Priorität.
Safety is our top priority.
Compare with
oberst vs ober
upper
'ober' and 'oberst' both describe a position farther up or a higher rank. 'Ober' means that something is in the upper area or stands higher in a hierarchy. But it does not have to be at the very top. 'Oberst' is the highest position in a spatial order or ranking. Learners may confuse the words because they look similar and both have to do with 'oben' (up / above). The simple difference is: 'ober' means higher or located above, while 'oberst' means at the very top. For example, you say 'die obere Schublade' (the upper drawer), but 'die oberste Schublade' (the topmost drawer) if there is no drawer above it.
oberst
Zu Hause stelle ich die alten Fotos in das oberste Regal, weil dort noch Platz ist.
At home, I put the old photos on the topmost shelf because there is still space there.
ober
Moritz legt den Pullover morgen in das obere Fach, nicht in das untere.
Tomorrow, Moritz will put the sweater in the upper compartment, not the lower one.
In real life
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