Comparative and superlative of Dutch adjectives
Sign up for free to get all information about private lessons and our available group courses (A1, A2, B2, B2, C1, C2)
Sign up for freeWe offer both private lessons and organized group courses
Sign up for free to get all available courses or contact one of our teachers yourself!
Elvira V.
25.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Leonie B.
20.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Lauren D.
25.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Our offer
Lesson outline
HideDefinition and usage of the comparative and superlative of Dutch adjectives
'De trappen van vergelijking' (the steps of comparison) are used to turn the adjective into a comparative or into a superlative. The comparative and superlative are formed by adding suffixes to the adjective.
| Situation | Example | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| To turn an adjective into a comparative. |
|
|
| To turn an adjective into a superlative. |
|
|
Have a question?
Take online language lessons with a professional teacher
- Native & verified teachers
- Free trial lesson
- Learning materials included
Clarisse N.
35.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Job D.
35.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
An K.
40.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Marjolein V.
40.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Guido B.
49.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Tsarina T.
50.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Ana M.
25.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Jan V.
30.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Frank N.
36.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Pelin C.
30.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
1) Forming the comparative of Dutch adjectives
The Dutch comparative compares the characteristics of two objects with each other that are not equal. These are formed by adding the suffix '-er' or '-ere'.
- Een vreemder huis. (A weirder house.)
- De schonere lucht. (The more clean air.)
Note that a vowel disappeared in 'schonere' that is derrived form 'schoon' (clean). This has to do with a change in the syllables, because the stress is now somewhere else in the word.
If the adjective ends in '-r', '-der' or '-dere' will be added: Het raardere meisje. (The weirder girl.)
2) Forming the superlative of Dutch adjectives
The Dutch superlative compares an object with other objects which surpasses everything. These are formed by adding the suffix '-st' or '-ste'. The definite articles 'de' or 'het' are always before the superlative.
- Het vreemdste huis. (The weirdest house.)
- De schoonste lucht. (The cleanest air.)
Dutch irregular comparatives
The Dutch language has some adjectives that don't follow the regular rules when forming the comparative and superlative. The following table shows a list of Dutch adjectives that are irregular:
| Adjective | Comparative | Superlative | Example | Translation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goed (good) | Beter (better) | Best (best) | Jan is beter in tennis dan Henk. | Jan is better at tennis than Henk. |
| Graag (gladly) | Liever (rather) | Liefst (preferably) | Zij eten het liefst vis. | They prefer to eat fish. |
| Veel (much) | Meer (more) | Meest (most) | Hij eet het meest. | He eats the most. |
| Weinig (little) | Minder (less) | Minst (least) | Jij hebt minder les dan ik. | You got less class than me. |
In Dutch you can also use 'meer' (more) or 'meest' (most) to form the comparative, but is not used as frequently as in English. It is only used for long words, that are hard to pronounce in another form or to emphasize something:
- Hij is het meest fantastisch van hen allemaal. (He is the most fantastic of all of them.)
- Zij heeft de meest praktische aanpak. (She has the most practical approach.)
Train your skills by doing the exercises below.
Exercises
Exercise Dutch comparative
Exercise Dutch superlative
Exercises
Exercise Dutch comparative
Exercise Dutch superlative
What our students say
Unlike in other platforms, all our teachers are manually verified by our professional team. Trust in the experiences of our students.
I am Senna Slangen. I teach Dutch and English to non-native speakers in Utrecht and Den Bosch. The classes are from A1 to C1 level. The people I teach are refugees (integration exam and state exam), or expats who have to learn Dutch for work or school. Then it's more about business in Dutch. I would like to help you learn the Dutch language.
I. L.
I can really recommend Senna as a Dutch teacher! She is always on time, there is no problem with communication(I had a few teachers before so I see a difference;)) The material is very diverse - we do a lot of grammar and speaking exercises but also discuss articles from newspapers which contain also more informal Dutch. After 4 months of lessons I see a big progress in my Dutch. Moreover Senna is just a nice and patient person so there is no stress during the lesson :)
Senna S.
It took me a long time to find my real passion in my (work) life. After studying in two universities, graduating in two bachelors, travelling the world and working abroad for several years I realized public education is where my heart lies. I went for the third time back to the university to get my teachers degree.
I have been a classroom teacher for 5 years in Dutch primary schools before I moved 4,5 years ago abroad to Colombia where I became specifically an English teacher. I am specialized in teaching in pre-, elementary, middle (secondary) and high school. I have been teaching in all different grades and all primary subjects in English and got specialised in Teaching English as a second language. Most schools where I have been working were inspired by the philosophy of 'Vygotsky'. A philosophy and methodology I also use in my private classes. Therefore they are dynamic and adapted to your personal needs.
Working in the Netherlands and Colombia in education and in several countries worldwide have allowed me to gain a variety of skill sets. These experiences also have provided me with the tools necessary for working abroad and online including adaptability, patience, dedication to my peer’s success, and respect for cultural and societal norms. Learning English as a second language from someone that is trained to teach the language like this and also once has learned the language herself as a second language (as my native language is Dutch), gives me a lot of benefits in comparison of learning the language from a native speaker.
Aside from this being my day to day job already for the past 10 years in Bilingual primary, middle and high schools, I started private classes to teach English as a second language in the afternoons. I am new to this platform as I haven't offered my services in the past through an official platform. With the recent changes worldwide I thought it is a good moment to focus more on online teaching and decided to dedicate all my time at the moment on online teaching. Therefore I have a wide availability Let me know which level you have and if there's anything specific you would like to focus on. I have experience in teaching all facets of the language.
S. H.
We found our first Dutch class with Lisa really helpful. She is very patient and made the class enjoyable. Looking forward to getting started :)
Lisa C.
Language trainer with 40 years of experience.
R. D.
Sabina is experienced, patient and can answer all my questions. She focuses on quick win and concrete progress. I enjoy our daily lessons.
Sabina G.
Hi! I am Maaike, a Dutch primary school teacher. Every day I'm doing by best to teach the Dutch language well to the childeren, but also other languages such as English and Spanish.
I have more than 12 years of experience as a teacher, in the Netherlands and abroad, to young and old!
In the Netherlands I have experience in each grade, so I know exactly how the Dutch language is given in primary education. This can certainly help children, but also adults who want to learn the Dutch language in a correct way, having a good basic knowledge is the most important part of learning a new language.
I lived in Spain for 3 years where I taught English to Spanish children and adults. During that period I also followed an intensive language course to learn the Spanish language. Currently I am learning Nepali through Skype. I know what it is like to learn a new language, what it involves and how the learning process works.
I will first discuss with you what you would like to achieve by following the language lessons and what your needs are. Maybe it's just speaking skills, or grammar or listening skills, or a combination. In addition, I want to use my creativity to apply methods that work best for you, personalized language classes. :)
My goal is to give you the feeling after each class that you've come one step closer to your personal goal!
Feel free to request a trial class, so we can see what I can do for you and if my way of teaching suits you. See you soon! :)
V. .
Maaike is a very professional teacher and makes the lessons very enjoyable. She prepares the topics well before the class with the appropriate material. She teaches me different spelling rules, exercises to practise the spelling rules, reading comprehension and we discuss about the text and grammar. She often asks me if the lessons are ok or if I would prepare something different. Abril.
Maaike R.
I prepare lessons for each student individually based on their specific needs for each language. For example: if you language need is Business English, I prepare your lesson on what you need to do your work. If your language need is to practice your speaking skills, your lesson will be based on themes that you are interested in. If your language need is to learn English from scratch, we will discuss a program to get you started from the beginning to when you can speak English with confidence.
My tutoring also focusses on the development of my students. Through my classes, I aim to stimulate creativity, analytical skills, improve business skills, understanding of different cultures, problem-solving, communication skills, enhance my student's opportunities in worldwide jobs and to expand their worlds globally. Lessons are individually prepared for each student to learn grammar, vocabulary, speaking, listening, pronunciation and reading.
More about me:
I have been in tutoring and training for 15 years and I follow a communicative approach with interesting themes and discussions that draw on your life experiences and everyday situations.
I was born in South Africa and live close to Cape Town. I speak both Afrikaans and English as native languages. I studied Human Resources and specialized in training. In 2015 I added a TEFL/TESOL certificate to my qualifications. I was given a traditional African name by a student group in South Africa and they named me Noluthandu which means “a person who likes people.” This was a great honor for me. I am very much excited to walk the exciting path with you while learning a new language. Remember, it takes small steps to reach the top of the mountain of success.
S. G.
Marge is a very kind, positive and cheerful person. Every time she offers interesting and practical subjects we build our lessons around. The way she prizing me is a great motivation to move forward!
Marge H.
Hello there,
I'm Eveline Debouvere, polyglot and a world citizen! It would be my pleasure to help you improving your Dutch or German language skills. Tell me what you want to learn and I'll adapt my course to your needs. As I am working as a sales person for the Scandinavian and German markets in a medium-sized company, I am able to improve my own language skills every day. Knowing the importance of learning languages in a good, but fun way makes it easier to teach myself. On top of that I've already taught different languages to different students. All of them were amazed by the way the course is adapted to their needs during the teaching process.
Do you want to find this out yourself? Please contact me!
Until then I wish you all the best!
M. D.
It was great. We went through the first introduction round, then through important base of language - alphabet and "double sounds" to improve my pronunciation. Then we read article - to improve my pronunciation and understanding. It was a great lesson and I am looking forward to the next one.
Eveline D.
¡Hola! I’m Paul from Venezuela. I’ve been living in France since 2012, where I work as a fully qualified Spanish teacher at the university level, with up-to-date training.
I have extensive experience preparing students for DELE, SIELE, Bright, and CLOE exams, as well as general Spanish practice.
I specialize in helping students improve their Spanish pronunciation and grammar, assisting many in developing a more natural and fluid way of speaking.
I have worked for various universities and associations for over 10 years. Currently, I teach online for CoLanguage and engineering schools in France, mainly to university and high school students.
My sessions focus on encouraging students to use Spanish effectively, building their confidence, and helping them find their own natural way of expressing themselves in my language.
Looking forward to seeing you!
Paul
F. A.
Paul is a great teacher, very patient and motivating. The lessons are prepared and personalised. I definitely recommend taking lessons with Paul!
Paul G.
Why should you choose me? Take a look at what people say who have taken online classes with me.
Book lessons with me and
- prepare Dutch exams "Basisinburgering A1" and "Inburgeringsexamen A2". Your full commitment and my energetic, professional approach are the winning combination to help you succeed at once!
- learn Dutch because you live in the Netherlands (or are planning to move there) and still don’t speak the language properly or haven’t started yet. You’ll enjoy your environment more!
- learn Italian for work or because you will move to this beautiful country or simply because you just love it. Let me help you experience the language!
- study Spanish for pleasure, work or because you have to prepare an exam for school and you need to get confident to perform optimally
- get confident in useful daily conversations, meetings at work, exams, and presentations
- overcome the fear of failure; if you have learning problems, feel shy or need a boost of energy you’ll get confident enough to achieve your goals
My lessons are based on conversations. My method is to help you practice the language from the very beginning in spontaneous and direct conversations, using often role plays.
With books, articles, songs, and other interesting and stimulating material I will encourage conversation, develop grammar in a simpler way, and improve pronunciation.
Learning a foreign language is not a matter of doing much effort, but rather of being consistent, enjoying the lessons and allowing your intuition to work with you. You will book immediate results while having fun!
I've been teaching Dutch, Spanish and Italian for many years, in The Netherlands, for private institutes, for the integration of foreigners into society (Inburgering), and online from Italy, where I currently live.
Contact me for a free trial and let me know how I can help you.
CANCELATION POLICY
If you cancel a reservation please do it at least 24 hours before the session
(otherwise I would have to charge you for the lesson).
V. I.
Excellent teacher, classes are dynamic and conversation oriented from the start. Elena is a very attentive teacher, ready to answer all your questions, adapting to your needs as a student.
Elena P.
Thank you very much for your comment, Valeria! It's a pleasure working with you and watching your progress.
Do you want to improve your Dutch for work and daily life in the Netherlands? I help young expats enhance their Dutch skills, so you can speak and write with more confidence. Not because you have to, but because you want to! My lessons are practical and focused on what you truly need, whether you’re a beginner or already at a higher level.
What you can expect:
Lessons for beginners to advanced learners (B2 to C1), with a methodical and structured approach
Exercises that fit your work and life in the Netherlands
Focus on building confidence and keeping your self-respect, as you find your place as a new resident
Long-term collaboration, aimed at lasting progress and making the most of your new country
In my lessons, you’ll not only learn the language but also how to communicate your unique value and fully use the opportunities in your new home. This way, you’ll get to know the Netherlands better and make your own special contribution!
Ready to improve your Dutch? Contact me and let’s explore the possibilities!
S. A.
Monique is fantastic! She is very friendly, responsive, flexible and she has a great teaching technique. I always enjoy our lessons.
Monique M.
Hi! I live in Germany since 2014, I live in the Frankfurt am Main area. I teach German to refugees since the beginning of 2017 and I have been teaching Dutch at several language schools, at peoples homes and in-house at several companies. I passed the C1-level Test for German at the Goethe Institut.
It is my goal to adapt my lessons as much as possible to the wishes of the student. This means that, besides offering regular learning methods, I am open to initiatives like talking about subjects that are of interest to the student, for example reading and discussing articles, watching and discussing educational videos and/or current happenings in the world.
I look forward to meeting you online!
Q. W.
Marlijn was perfectly on time however we could not agree on a set time which I thought we had. she processed refund instantly, but suggest to agree on a time first before paying.
Marlijn S.
-
E. C.
I really enjoyed this lesson! Carina answered some questions I had and helped me in practicing talking. I found it extremely useful.
F S.
Professor of Dutch
L. .
My children really enjoy Lauren’s lessons. She is very kind and patient and chooses fun topics for them.
Lauren D.
Do you want to improve your Dutch for work and daily life in the Netherlands? I help young expats enhance their Dutch skills, so you can speak and write with more confidence. Not because you have to, but because you want to! My lessons are practical and focused on what you truly need, whether you’re a beginner or already at a higher level.
What you can expect:
Lessons for beginners to advanced learners (B2 to C1), with a methodical and structured approach
Exercises that fit your work and life in the Netherlands
Focus on building confidence and keeping your self-respect, as you find your place as a new resident
Long-term collaboration, aimed at lasting progress and making the most of your new country
In my lessons, you’ll not only learn the language but also how to communicate your unique value and fully use the opportunities in your new home. This way, you’ll get to know the Netherlands better and make your own special contribution!
Ready to improve your Dutch? Contact me and let’s explore the possibilities!
J. V.
Monique is very sweet and attentive to my needs. It has been a pleasure to navigate the Dutch language with her help!
Monique M.
Hello and nice to meet you!
My name is Laura Borger and I am a qualified language teacher. I have been teaching Dutch to young and old for the past seven years.
I have been teaching online for a year now and I love it. My students range from beginners to advanced, so I have collected tons of materials for all levels.
Also, at the University of Leiden I completed the Master Linguistics and the Master Education.
My lessons are based on the needs and interests of my students. For example, if you are in need of grammar, I will adjust my material accordingly. Or if you want to focus on speaking skills, I have tons of activities to develop this skill too!
My personal goal is to ensure that my classes are dynamic, active and fun! I use games, current topics and digital exercises and I feel the proudest when I can really observe the progress in my student's Dutch level.
I offer a free trial lesson of 25 minutes!
If this sounds good to you, press the button and we will see each other soon!
D. D.
Speaks clearly, corrects positively, steers the class confidently at a pace that suits the student. Great teacher.
Laura B.
Hello,I would love to help you improve your knowledge of English.I adapt the lessons following your wishes : are you a beginner and need to get some basic knowledge with grammar and easy texts or do you want to improve your conversation skills. I can help you either way.Looking forward to meeting you !
M. F.
We spoke in Dutch for most of the lesson which was ideal for me. Francoise was very patient and helpful.
Francoise D.