Introduction to Comparatives and Superlatives
In German, we use comparatives to show that one thing is more or less than another, and superlatives to express the highest degree of a quality.
Forming the Comparative
The comparative form is created by adding -er to the adjective. When comparing two things, we often use the word als (than).
Example: Berlin ist größer als München. (Berlin is bigger than Munich.)
Forming the Superlative
The superlative form is created by adding -st or -est to the adjective, depending on the ending. It is often used with the definite article am.
Example: Berlin ist am größten. (Berlin is the biggest.)
Comparative and Superlative Examples
| Adjective |
English |
Comparative |
Superlative |
| schnell |
fast |
schneller (faster) |
am schnellsten (the fastest) |
| groß |
big |
größer (bigger) |
am größten (the biggest) |
| alt |
old |
älter (older) |
am ältesten (the oldest) |
| jung |
young |
jünger (younger) |
am jüngsten (the youngest) |
| schön |
beautiful |
schöner (more beautiful) |
am schönsten (the most beautiful) |
Irregular Comparatives and Superlatives
Some adjectives have irregular comparative and superlative forms. Here are a few examples:
| Adjective |
English |
Comparative |
Superlative |
| gut |
good |
besser (better) |
am besten (the best) |
| viel |
much/many |
mehr (more) |
am meisten (the most) |
| gern |
gladly |
lieber (prefer) |
am liebsten (most preferred) |