Breakdown of Sind Sie noch rüstig genug für eine längere Reise?
sein
to be
ein
a, an (eine)
Sie
you (formal)
genug
enough
für
for
noch
still / yet
die Reise
the trip / the journey
lang
long
rüstig
sprightly
Questions & Answers about Sind Sie noch rüstig genug für eine längere Reise?
Why is the comparative form längere translated as "a somewhat long" instead of "a longer"?
This is an example of the Absolute Comparative (absoluter Komparativ). When a comparative adjective is used without a direct comparison (there is no als or "than" in the sentence), it actually softens the meaning. So, eine längere Reise means "a rather long journey" or "a somewhat long journey," not strictly "longer than another journey."
Why does the comparative länger take an -e ending here?
Adjectives in the comparative form still need to take standard declension endings. Here, it modifies the feminine noun Reise and follows the preposition für, which always triggers the accusative case. Following the indefinite article eine, the comparative stem länger takes the accusative feminine ending -e, becoming längere.
Is the word rüstig used for anyone who is fit and healthy?
No, rüstig has a very specific connotation. It is almost exclusively used to describe older people who are surprisingly fit, active, and healthy for their age. It translates best to "sprightly" or "vigorous." You wouldn't use it to describe a fit 20-year-old.
Could I change the word order and say genug rüstig?
No, genug must come after the adjective it modifies. Fortunately, this maps perfectly to English: just as we say "sprightly enough" rather than "enough sprightly," German requires rüstig genug.
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