Adjektivreihung Glossary of terms

The Adjektivreihung is the specific and predetermined order in which multiple adjectives are placed before a noun in German.

Additional Information

Translations: order of adjectives, adjective sequence, adjective placement
Related concepts: Adjektivdeklination, Attribut, Wortstellung

Detailed Explanation

In German, when several adjectives are used to describe a noun, they must follow a specific order. This order is not arbitrary but follows a logical sequence based on characteristics such as opinion, size, age, color, origin, and material.

While native speakers often apply this rule intuitively, it is important for German learners to learn it consciously to achieve a natural and correct expression, similar to the unspoken rules for adjective order in English.

Usage examples of "Adjektivreihung"

📝 Some usage examples:

Ein kleines rotes AutoHere, 'kleines' (size) comes before 'rotes' (color), following the correct order of adjectives.
Eine schöne alte hölzerne TürThe order is: opinion (schöne), age (alte), material (hölzerne), following the Adjektivreihung rule.
Der freundliche junge deutsche LehrerThe order is followed: opinion (freundliche), age (junge), origin (deutsche), according to Adjektivreihung.

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