Anna ist die klügste Schülerin in der Klasse.
English: Anna is the smartest student in the class.
- Language
- German
- Level
- A2
- Unit
- Adjektive und Vergleich
- Practice types
- 0
What this grammar point covers
The 'Superlativ' in German is used to show that something has the highest degree of a quality, like 'the fastest', 'the biggest', or 'the most beautiful'.
When to use it
Use the Superlativ when you want to say that someone or something is the most (or least) in a group, for example, the tallest person, the most expensive car, or the best student.
Key forms
- Add '-ste(n)' to the adjective: schnell → schnellsten
- With definite article: der/die/das + adjective + -ste(n): der schnellste
- For some adjectives, use 'am' + adjective + -sten: am schönsten
Examples
Das ist das schönste Haus in der Stadt.
English: That is the most beautiful house in the city.
Er läuft am schnellsten.
English: He runs the fastest.
Der Winter ist die kälteste Jahreszeit.
English: Winter is the coldest season.
Tips
- Don’t forget the correct ending for the adjective, depending on the article and case.
- For adjectives ending in -d, -t, -s, -ß, -sch, -x, or -z, add an extra 'e': am ältesten, am schönsten.
- Use 'am' + adjective + -sten for adverbs or when there is no noun.
Exceptions and edge cases
- Some adjectives are irregular: gut → am besten, hoch → am höchsten, viel → am meisten.