Breakdown of Ein solcher Fehler ist menschlich.
sein
to be
der Fehler
the mistake
solch-
such
menschlich
human, humane
Questions & Answers about Ein solcher Fehler ist menschlich.
How does the suffix -lich in menschlich work?
The adjective menschlich is derived from the noun der Mensch (the human or person) by adding the suffix -lich. This suffix frequently turns nouns into adjectives that describe the typical nature or qualities of that noun. Here, it means "having the qualities of a human," which translates simply to "human."
Does menschlich translate to "human" or "humane"?
It translates to both! Depending on the context, menschlich can mean "human" (referring to human nature or biology, as in this sentence) or "humane" (meaning compassionate, ethical, or caring).
Why does solcher have an -er ending in ein solcher Fehler?
Fehler is a masculine noun in the nominative case because it is the subject of the sentence. Since the article ein has no ending here to show the masculine gender, the following word (solcher) must step up and take the "strong" masculine nominative ending -er to show the gender and case.
Why doesn't the adjective menschlich get a declension ending in this sentence?
In German, adjectives only get declension endings when they are placed directly before a noun, like in the phrase ein menschlicher Fehler. When an adjective comes after a verb like ist to describe the subject, it is called a predicate adjective and stays in its basic, uninflected dictionary form.