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Adverbially used adjectives

Adverbially used adjectives

(Adjectives used as adverbs in German)

Contents

  1. Using adjectives as adverbs
  2. Further explanations and exercises

What is an adverbially used adjective?

Adjectival adverbs are adjectives that are used adverbially, i.e., as adverbs. They are denominated Adjektivadverbien in German. Such behaviour is possible for all adjectives. In this function, the particularity is that they are not declined (inflected). Compare the following sentence examples:

  • Note that all German adjectives can be utilized as adverbs. Then, the unique feature is the missing inflection:
    • laut (loud/loudly):
      • „Ein lauter Redner.“ (A loud speaker.)
        • declined adjective
      • „Der Redner redet laut.“ (The speaker is talking loudly.)
        • here as an adjectival adverb → undeclined
    • ordentlich (orderly):
      • „Peter ist ein ordentlicher Mitarbeiter.“ (Peter is an orderly employee.)
        • declined adjective
      • „Peter arbeitet ordentlich.“ (Peter works orderly.)
        • adjectival adverb → undeclined
    • gut (good/well):
      • „Du hast ein gutes Auto.“ (You have a good car.)
        • declined adjective
      • „Dein Auto ist gut.“ (Your car is good.)
        • adjectival adverb → undeclined

Further explanations related to the ‘Adverbially used adjectives’

The following explanations refer to the topic ‘Adjectives used as adverbs (Adjektivadverbien) in German grammar’ and could also be interesting: