Comparative and superlative adjectives in German
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 freeSign 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!
Our offer
In German there are different ways to compare certain persons, objects or processes. This chapter deals with the different types of comparison and represents its construction and special cases.
In English as well as in German, adjectives have three degrees of comparison: the positive, the comparative and the superlative.
For example:
While the positive form of an adjective simply describes the noun, a comparative adjective compares persons or things that are not equal. The superlative describes persons, actions or things that can't be outperformed.
Take online language lessons with a professional teacher
To build the comparative or superlative form, you need to seperate the word stem and afterwards add a specific ending.
The two forms of adjectives have different constructions. Both of them are constructed using a suffix:
Keep in mind, that if a comparative or superlative adjective precedes a noun, it takes the appropriate adjective ending.
Positive | Comparative | Superlative |
---|---|---|
schnell | schnell - er | am schnell - sten |
laut | laut - er | am laut - esten |
klein | klein - er | am klein - sten |
schön | schön - er | am schön - sten |
Sometimes, in English the comparative and superlative forms are composed by using more or most, as in more beautiful. Unlike in Englisch, in German it can never be formed by mehr + adjective.
Of course, there are certain cases, where you have to be careful with. These are the exceptional cases by forming the comparative and superlative:
Some adjectives cannot be tranformed into the comporative or superlative form, because otherwise the meaning of the words would be modified. The following adjectives cannot be increased:
Positive | Comparative | Superlative | Don't use | Meaning |
---|---|---|---|---|
einmalig | / | / | don't use einmaliger - er, am einmalig - sten | more unique, the most unique |
ganz | / | / | don't use ganz - er, am ganz - sten | more complete, the most complete |
kein | / | / | don't use kein - er, am kein - sten | more barely, the most barely |
blau | / | / | don't use blau - er, am blau - sten | more golden, the most golden |
tot | / | / | don't use tot - er, am tot - sten | more dead, the most dead |
Most monosyllable adjectives with stem vowels of a, o or u take an umlaut when they are used in the comparative or superlative form.
Adjective | Comparative | Superlative |
---|---|---|
alt | ält - er | am ält - esten |
lang | läng - er | am läng - sten |
schwach | schwäch - er | am schwäch - sten |
klug | klüg - er | am klüg - sten |
groß | größ - er | am größ - sten |
In some cases, adjectives ending with -el may drop the -e, while adjectives ending with -er may drop the -e as well.
Adjective | Comparative | Superlative |
---|---|---|
dunkel | dunkl - er | am dunkel - sten |
teuer | teur - er | am teuer - sten |
edel | edl - er | am edel - sten |
eitel | eitl - er | am eitel - sten |
The following common used adjectives in German have irregular comparative and/or superlative forms.
Adjective | Comparative | Superlative |
---|---|---|
gut | bess - er | am be - sten |
gern | lieb - er | am lieb - sten |
viel | mehr | am mei - sten |
bald | eh - er | am ehe - sten |
hoch | höh - er | am höch - sten |
nahe | näh - er | am näch - sten |
Try to learn those words by heart, as there is a change of the word stem and no strict rule you can follow.
In German there are different forms of comparative to express the superiority, the inferiority or the equality of two persons or objects.
The comparative of superiority is used to express the inequality of two persons, things etc.
it is expressed using the construction of the comparative followed by als (than).
Adjective | Comparative | Example |
---|---|---|
stark | stärk - er | Peter ist stärker als Thomas. (Peter is stronger than Thomas.) |
teuer | teur - er | Der Ring ist teurer als die Kette. (The ring is more expensive than the necklace.) |
viel | mehr | Er isst mehr als seine Mutter. (He eats more than his father.) |
intelligent | intelligent - er | Thomas ist intelligenter als Moritz. (Moritz ist more intelligent than Moritz.) |
In contrast to that, this type of comparative expresses the inferiority of one person, thing etc. against another. It is constructed like this:
Adjective | Example |
---|---|
attraktiv | Martin ist weniger attraktiv als Stefan. (Martin is less attractive than Stefan.) |
intelligent | Er ist weniger intelligent als ich. (He is less intelligent than me.) |
kalt | Drinnen ist es weniger kalt als draußen. (Inside it is less cold than outside.) |
spannend | Fußball ist weniger spannend als Tennis. (Soccer is less exciting than tennis.) |
Comparisons expressing equality between two persons, things etc. are expressed and constructed in the following way:
Adjective | Example |
---|---|
groß | Er ist so groß wie Karl. (He is as tall as Karl.) |
dünn | Mandy ist so dünn wie Petra. (Mandy is as thin as Petra.) |
viel | Der Schal kostet so viel wie die Hose. (The scarf is as expensive as the pants.) |
kalt | Heute ist es so kalt wie im Winter. (Today it's as cold as in winter.) |
By using the comparative of inferiority and equality it is not necessary to modify the adjective.
This type of comparative is used to describe things that are increasing or decreasing continuously. The form is constructed by just adding 'immer' and forming the comparative of an adjective.
Adjective | Comparative | Example |
---|---|---|
kalt | kält - er | Es wird immer kälter. (It is getting colder and colder.) |
alt | ält - er | Sie wird immer älter. (She is getting older and older.) |
lang | läng - er | Die Tage werden immer länger. (The days are getting longer and longer.) |
laut | laut - er | Die Männer sprechen immer lauter. (The men were talking louder and louder.) |
This type of comparison is not a comparison between two people or things, but rather a comparison between the same situation compared at two different moments.
There are also some special constructions with 'immer'.
By using this constructions of 'immer mehr' and 'immer weniger' it is important to decline the adjective, because it stands before the noun and therefore has to be adjusted to it.
Adjective | Example with 'immer mehr' |
---|---|
alt | Es gibt immer mehr alte Menschen in Deutschland. (There are more and more old people in Germany.) |
regnerisch | Es gilt immer mehr regnerische Tage in England. (There are more and more rainy days in England.) |
The combination of 'immer + mehr' can be translated as 'more and more' in English.
Adjective | Example with 'immer weniger' |
---|---|
gerne | Ich mag ihn immer weniger gerne. (I like him less and less.) |
dicht | Die Bevölkerung in Österreich ist immer weniger dicht. (The population in Austria is less and less dense.) |
The combination of 'immer + weniger' can be translated as 'less and less' in English.
The German combination of 'Je ... desto' and 'Je ... umso' can be used equally. The english equivalent to it is 'the ... the'. The specific thing about this construction is, that you have two used adjectives.
Comparative of 1st adjective | Comparative of 2nd adjective | Example |
---|---|---|
kurz = kürzer | produktiv = produktiver | Je kürzer die Arbeitswoche ist, desto produktiver sind die Arbeitnehmer. (The shorter the work week becomes, the more productivethe workers become.) |
viel = mehr | gut = besser | Je mehr ich lerne, desto besser bin ich in der Prüfung. (The more I learn, the better I am in the exam.) |
viel = mehr | glücklich = glücklicher | Je mehr Glück er hat, umso glücklicher ist er.(The more luck he has, the happier he is.) |
lang = länger | nervös = nervöser | Je länger ich warten musste, umso nervöser wurde ich. (The longer I had to wait, the more nervous I became.) |
There are some shortened phrases in German that use this construction as well, for instance, 'Je mehr, desto besser' (The more, the better).
The superlative expresses the highest level of something. In German it is constructed by using:
By using the comparative there are also different forms and some exceptions to the normal rule:
By using attributive adjectives the question is about when to use 'am' and when not. If the adjective is right in front of the noun, 'am' it not used.
Adjective | Superlative | Example without 'am' |
---|---|---|
groß | am größten | Berlin ist die größte Stadt in Deutschland. (Berlin is the biggest city in Germany.) |
billig | am billigsten | Das hier ist das billigste Brot. (This one is the cheapest bread.) |
Adjective | Superlative | Example with 'am' |
---|---|---|
gut | am besten | Berlin gefällt mir am besten. (I like Berlin the most.) |
viel | am meisten | In Norddeutschland regnet es am meisten. (In Northern Germany it rains the most.) |
The absolute superlative (or Elativ) is another possibility to escalate German adjectives. The superlative is either formally identical with the superlative, or is constructed my adding a prefix or a particle to an adjective.
The difference of both possibilities: Using the particle you have two words, while you only have one word using the prefix.
Often prefixes are used for the formation of those adjectival forms.
Präfix | Absolute superlative | Meaning |
---|---|---|
schwer - | schwerreich | heavily rich |
super - | superschnell | super fast |
ober - | oberfaul | extremely lazy |
/ | mit herzlichsten Grüßen | with most kind regards |
/ | in tiefster Trauer | in deepest sadness |
/ | zu unserer vollsten Zufriedenheit | to our complete satisfaction |
While the absolute superlative displays a very high degree outside of any comparison, the relative superlative highlights a special person, object etc. in comparison to others.
Unlike in other platforms, all our teachers are manually verified by our professional team. Trust in the experiences of our students.
My name is Christina and I provide German & French language lesson for children and adult beginners or intermediate who want to strengthen their language skills, improve the grammar knowledge, enrich the vocabulary and get into the German culture! I can teach in English or French!
I had experince in teaching German, English and French to foreign people so I do have a lot of useful learning material I can provide you to make it easier!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Fantastic opportunity to improve your German with a Native speaker. Christina is really helpful, very friendly and I would fully recommend to anyone!
Christina F.
![]()
Thanks a lot Padraig ..... good luck Thank you very much Padraig and good luck
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Thanks to many years of experience, I offer you professional language instruction via Skype.
I am a native speaker (bilingual German and English) and have been working with Skype for over 9 years. The courses are optimally tailored to your language level and job description. Arrange a trial lesson.
Proficient handling of everyday German, leading to various certificates (Goethe Certificates, DaF etc.), specific courses for the professional field (hotel, tourism, law, medicine - FACHSPRACHENPRÜFUNG MEDIZIN, technology, business.....).
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I'm learning German with Belinda (currently B1) and I am trying to do a final push, so i can finally start speaking. Classes are very well prepared and structured. The book/ books used in the class have exercises that actually make your brain work and are not always easy to do ( this is for people who had experience with easy and boring grammar materials). We play dialogues, we have conversations through which the teacher understands where I am with my level and is trying to make adjustments to the program. And there's a lot of homework (when you ask for it) !!! : )
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Coucou c'est moi Lore, I'm your French teacher & mentor for the next month!
One month French Bootcamp is an intensive and immersive 30-day French crash course.
The perfect option if you want to see quick results. ?
Send me a message to know my current levels and time of study group.
Each lesson is 60 mn
Access to the video record of the live lesson
My 30-day conversational French online course is by far my most popular option.
With a focus on casual conversation, this group class meets 5 times a week for 1 hour.
Free assessment test to see what is your level.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Lore is a friendly and enthusiastic teacher. She supports her students and create personalized material for them. Great teacher!
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
German was my key to the world of possibilities and that's why I want to support you on your language path. German was my main focus in my bachelor's degree in Interpreting and Translation and then I completed my master's degree in intercultural German Studies and German as a Foreign Language. My additional education as an Intercultural Trainer and my practical experience from several international language institutes add value to my German lessons that you can benefit from: Only your focus decides - preparation for a language exam or studies, help with various documents and written works or your wish to improve your German in a communicative way. I would very much like to get to know you in a free trial lesson, so that we can discuss your wishes and requirements and prepare the lessons so that they bring you closer to your goal. And all of this from an intercultural perspective and with my personal experience, because I know your own perspective as well as the challenges that language learning brings with it. I'm looking forward to meeting you!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Veronika is a very well prepared young teacher, friendly and professional. Her teaching method adapted perfectly to my needs and requirements. Through conversation lessons she helped me gain confidence in my spoken German. I highly recommend her for new starters as well as for students who already have some basic knowledge of German.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello =)
My name is Karolin and since the beginning of 2017, while I was still living in Chile, I've been giving online classes. I really enjoy my work and it gives me the privilage to get to know people from all around the world, which is amazing.
Both in English and in German, I teach classes for beginners and advanced students. I speak Spanish fluently, but as I lived in Chile for around 5 years, both my pronounciation and my choice of words are influenced by that. I learned and teach the european Spanish but only for beginners (A1/A2). But if you don't mind the chilenean influence, I do teach to a higher level as well.
If you'd like to get to know me and my teaching methods, just contact me and we will do a free trial lesson (please do NOT by a lesson before the trial lesson, not every teacher is good for every student).
See you soon!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I am so happy to be taking German lessons with Karolin. She is an amazing teacher, I honestly cannot believe how much I have improved in the 6 months I have been taking lessons with her. She made me feel confortable from the very beginning, she is always on time and somehow makes me look forward to every lesson. Thanks for everything Karo!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hallo :) I'm a German language teacher with a Bachelor and Master degree in German and with many years of teaching experience.
I was born and lived in Switzerland for many years and grew up in a bilingual family, because of that I speak German, Swiss German, Croatian and English :)
- ABOUT THE CLASS -
I offer German language lessons for A1, A2, B1, B2 level and they include everything you need: grammar, speaking, listening audio, reading, writing and for some fun: games and role plays :)
This is ideal for students who want actively participate and speak more, learn new words and exercise the grammar.
All learning materials and exercises are included and will be provided during the lesson.
The learning material is from various books: Schritte International, Menschen, Sicher im Alltag und Beruf, Begegnungen, ....
If you wish to have only conversational lessons, I can arrange this also for you (only available for B1 and B2 level).
* IMPORTANT: coLanguage shows only my general availability, if you want to book a lesson, please sent me a message with your availability and language level, and I will contact you as soon as possible with more informations :)
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
As always, her lessons are great! She takes time to prepare in advance the lesson and pesonalised material for your needs.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
This teacher has experience, a great variety of learning materials for different objectives and speaks spanish fluently.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
My name is Christina and I provide German & French language lesson for children and adult beginners or intermediate who want to strengthen their language skills, improve the grammar knowledge, enrich the vocabulary and get into the German culture! I can teach in English or French!
I had experince in teaching German, English and French to foreign people so I do have a lot of useful learning material I can provide you to make it easier!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Christina is amazing. From our first lesson I could tell that she really cared and wanted to help me prepare for my exam. I look forward to every lesson! I can't recommend her enough, she is perfect!
Christina F.
![]()
Thank you dear Luke
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello, my name is Katerina und I’m a qualified German teacher with 8 years teaching experience.
I would like to help you to master the German language. You will get your personal online lesson via Skype.
If you are interested in learning this world language, just contact me –
I’m looking forward to getting to know you!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I recommended everyone to choose this teacher ! she's explaining pretty clear and she have a lot of patient ! she helped me a lot to improve my German skills !
Katerina B.
Thank you so much George. I am very happy that our lessons helped you!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Bianka is friendly and very patient. She is from Germany so I can learn the German pronunciations very well with her. I recommend Bianka if you are looking for a German teacher.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I am a native German speaker and am teaching English and German as foreign languages. I have got a teaching degree and have been teaching English and German for more than two years to all levels and age groups.
I personally prefer to speak in the learning language as much as possible and to focus on all four skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Moreover, I like to cover practical topics that can be used in your everyday life and make classes as diverse and dynamic as possible. Nevertheless, I am always open-minded to suggestions coming from students.
Concerning materials I like to use a course book and in addition worksheets, audios, videos, etc.
In case you have got any further questions, don't hesitate to contact me :)
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Anna is a very well prepared and good teacher. She is a good teacher, dedicated to teach you. Would recommend her for everyone who would like to learn German.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Thanks to many years of experience, I offer you professional language instruction via Skype.
I am a native speaker (bilingual German and English) and have been working with Skype for over 9 years. The courses are optimally tailored to your language level and job description. Arrange a trial lesson.
Proficient handling of everyday German, leading to various certificates (Goethe Certificates, DaF etc.), specific courses for the professional field (hotel, tourism, law, medicine - FACHSPRACHENPRÜFUNG MEDIZIN, technology, business.....).
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Belinda is an excellent teacher. The learning materials are great and I'm learning lots speaking to a native German speaker. 100% would recommend!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
ABOUT ME:
⭐ Bachelor of Education ⭐
⭐ Certified Trainer for German as Foreign Language⭐
⭐ German Native Speaker⭐
⭐ Austrian German & Germany German⭐
⭐ International teaching experience live and online⭐
TEACHING STYLE & LESSONS:
Research says the best way to learn a language is by using as many different methods as possible - so that's exactly what we'll do!
My lessons are very interactive and I like using a lot of different resources, which includes writing, listening, creative assignments, etc.
I have a lot of experience in learning and teaching a foreign language, therefore I understand the struggles of my students and will make sure that you feel comfortable. It’s absolutely okay to make mistakes, because that’s the way we learn. I’m very patient, flexible and adapt to the student's style of learning.
We will find the perfect learning style for you, including the right
- materials (texts/videos/audios/games/grammar/articles)
- language level (A1-C1)
- focus (pronunciation/writing/listening/speaking)
- lesson frequency & length
In my classes we focus on casual conversation and increasing your confidence to speak German. You can expect a personalized class with a lot of fun and you will have the chance to talk a lot.
What we can do during a lesson:
- read and discuss texts, newspapers and professional articles
- improve your vocabulary
- improve your grammar
- conversation and pronunciation training
- prepare for a job interview
- bussines german, german for your job
- practice for an oral exam
- assist you with your homework and proofread your texts
Let me know your goals and interests and together we will achieve them. If you wish I can give you homework in order to practise what you've learned during the lesson.
In order to make the sessions as interactive as possible, I'm using ZOOM for my online classes.
TEACHING MATERIAL:
- PDF-files
- Quizzes/Tests
- Reading Exercises
- Writing Exercises
- Audio files
- Video files
- Articles and news
- Homework
FREE TRIAL LESSON:
Give me the possibility to show you my teaching-style. The trial lesson is for free so that you have nothing to lose. Worst case scenario: You talked 30 Min German for free :)
If you'd like to book, please make sure to include your:
- language level
- learning goals
- wishes for the lesson
- skype username
thanks!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Lessons with Jana are always well-structured, with clear learning goals and well-prepared supporting materials. I find her approach very good to learn German "seriously", i.e. focusing not only on basic communication skills, but steadily improving speaking, writing, and understanding. Jana is adjusting to the current level, and with her it's always progress, step by step building up on it. Difficult grammatical topics are split into smaller easily understandable chunks, learned through the course of the lesson and reinforced with homework. Each lesson has a certain relevant and interesting topic and a corresponding vocabulary to learn. With hearing exercises as homework, it allows to be immersed in up-to-date German.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Maria is a very experienced teacher. She really loves teaching and transmit this passion to her students. Excellent teacher.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Montse is always energetic and interesting, she always tailor the lections on the attendants level, always keeping an eye on trying to be original and fun. Easily a 5 Star Teacher.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials