Komparativ und Superlativ grammar in German

Language: German
Level: B1
Unit: Adjektive und Adverbien
Practice types: 0

What this grammar point covers

The comparative (Komparativ) and superlative (Superlativ) are ways to compare things in German. They help you say if something is bigger, smaller, or the most of something.

When to use it

Use the comparative to compare two things (e.g., one is bigger than another). Use the superlative to say something is the most (e.g., the fastest, the best) in a group.

Key forms

Add -er to the adjective for the comparative: schnell → schneller
Add am + adjective + -sten for the superlative: schnell → am schnellsten
Some adjectives add an umlaut in the comparative and superlative: groß → größer → am größten

Examples

Mein Hund ist größer als dein Hund.

English: My dog is bigger than your dog.

Anna läuft schneller als Peter.

English: Anna runs faster than Peter.

Das ist der schönste Tag.

English: That is the most beautiful day.

Er ist am intelligentesten in der Klasse.

English: He is the most intelligent in the class.

Tips

Remember to use 'als' after the comparative when comparing two things.
Add an umlaut to some adjectives in the comparative and superlative (e.g., alt → älter → am ältesten).
For the superlative, use 'am' + adjective + '-sten' when the adjective comes after the verb.

Exceptions and edge cases

Some adjectives are irregular: gut → besser → am besten; viel → mehr → am meisten.
If the adjective ends in -d, -t, -s, -ß, -sch, -x, or -z, add '-esten' in the superlative (z.B. 'am interessantesten').