Explanation
Forming the Comparative
In German, we compare two things by adding the ending -er to the adjective. For example, the adjective 'dünn' (thin) becomes dünner (thinner). When comparing two items directly, we use the word als (than), such as in the phrase: 'Das Papier ist dünner als der Karton.' Note that short adjectives with the vowels a, o, u often receive an umlaut (ä, ö, ü) in the comparative form, like 'schwach' (weak) becoming schwächer.
Forming the Superlative
The superlative describes the highest degree of a quality. When the adjective follows a verb like 'sein' (to be) as a predicate, we use the formula am + adjective + -sten. For example, 'Dieses Buch ist am uninteressantesten' (This book is the most uninteresting). Adjectives ending in sounds like -t, -d, or -s often add an extra -e before the ending (e.g., '-esten') to make it easier to pronounce.
Comparison of Equality
To say that two things are the same, we use the pattern so + adjective + wie. For example: 'Er ist so fröhlich wie sein Bruder' (He is as happy as his brother). In this case, the adjective does not change its form at all. Only the comparative and superlative degrees require the suffixes mentioned above.
Irregular Forms and Attributes
While most adjectives are regular, some change significantly (like 'gut' becoming 'besser'). If you use a comparative or superlative adjective directly before a noun (e.g., 'the thinner paper'), you must also add the standard adjective endings for case and gender. For A2, focus primarily on the 'am ... -sten' form and the '...-er als' structure.
Reference Tables
| Grundform (Positive) | Komparativ (Comparative) | Superlativ (Superlative) |
|---|---|---|
| dünn | dünner | am dünnsten |
| niedlich | niedlicher | am niedlichsten |
| anstrengend | anstrengender | am anstrengendsten |
| eklig | ekliger | am ekligsten |
| Grundform | Komparativ | Superlativ |
|---|---|---|
| schwach | schwächer | am schwächsten |
| glatt | glätter / glatter | am glättesten / glattesten |
| nass | nässer / nasser | am nässesten / nassesten |
Examples
Dieses Blatt Papier ist dünner als das andere.
This sheet of paper is thinner than the other one.
Nach der Grippe fühlte er sich schwächer als sonst.
After the flu, he felt weaker than usual.
Ich finde diesen Film am uninteressantesten.
I find this movie the most uninteresting.
Der Honig ist klebriger als die Marmelade.
The honey is stickier than the jam.
Von allen Welpen ist dieser am niedlichsten.
Of all the puppies, this one is the cutest.
Common Mistakes
In German, 'als' is used for comparisons of inequality (bigger than), while 'wie' is only used for equality (as big as).
German does not use 'mehr' (more) or 'meist' (most) to form the comparative/superlative like English does; it uses suffixes (-er, -sten).
Short adjectives with 'a', 'o', or 'u' usually require an umlaut in the superlative and comparative forms.