German grammar: Komparativ

What this grammar point covers

The 'Komparativ' in German is used to compare two things, showing that one has more of a certain quality than the other (like 'bigger', 'faster').

When to use it

Use the Komparativ to compare two people, things, or situations. It shows that one is more (or less) than the other.

Key forms

• Most adjectives: Add '-er' to the adjective. Example: schnell → schneller.
• If the adjective has one syllable, often add an umlaut (if possible). Example: alt → älter.
• To compare, use 'als'. Example: Peter ist größer als Anna.

Examples

Tips

• Always use 'als' (not 'wie') when comparing two things with the Komparativ.
• Remember to add an umlaut for many one-syllable adjectives (groß → größer, alt → älter).
• Do not use 'mehr' with regular adjectives (say 'schneller', not 'mehr schnell').

Exceptions and edge cases

• Some adjectives have irregular forms: gut → besser, viel → mehr, hoch → höher.
• Adjectives ending in '-el' or '-er' drop the 'e' before adding '-er': dunkel → dunkler.