Vergleiche: wie/als

Introduction to Comparisons with "wie" and "als"

In German, comparisons are often made using the words wie (like/as) and als (than). These words help describe whether things are similar or different in quality, quantity, or degree.

• wie is used in comparisons of equality, to say that things are the same or equal.
• als is used in comparisons of inequality, to say that something is more or less than something else.

Using "wie" for Comparisons of Equality

To compare two things that are the same or equal in some way, use "wie" with the positive form of the adjective.

• Er ist so groß wie sein Bruder. (He is as tall as his brother.)
• Sie spricht so gut Deutsch wie ihr Lehrer. (She speaks German as well as her teacher.)
• Das Auto ist genauso schnell wie das andere. (The car is just as fast as the other one.)

Using "als" for Comparisons of Inequality

To compare two things that are different in degree, use "als" with the comparative form of the adjective.

• Ich bin älter als du. (I am older than you.)
• Dieses Buch ist spannender als das andere. (This book is more exciting than the other.)
• Er ist schneller als sein Freund. (He is faster than his friend.)

Examples of Comparisons with "wie" and "als"

German	English
Er ist genauso klug wie sie.	He is as smart as she is.
Das Wetter ist heute schöner als gestern.	The weather is nicer today than yesterday.
Dieses Auto ist genauso teuer wie das andere.	This car is as expensive as the other.
Der Berg ist höher als der Hügel.	The mountain is higher than the hill.