Also means
sincere, genuine
Usage Note
Ernsthaft can describe a person's demeanour (serious, not flippant) or the nature of a commitment (eine ernsthafte Absicht = a genuine intention). It is neutral to positive and highly versatile; learners will encounter it constantly in formal and informal German.
Examples
"Er ist ein ernsthafter Schüler, der wirklich verstehen möchte."
Natural Translation
He is a serious student who genuinely wants to understand.
Literal Translation
He is an earnest pupil, who really understand wants.
Related Words
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