Grammar: Comparing Things

1. Understanding Comparatives

Comparison in German involves the use of two forms: comparative and superlative.
Use the comparative form when comparing two things. The comparative is formed by adding -er to the end of the adjective. For example, “klein” (small) becomes “kleiner” (smaller).
The superlative form is used for comparing three or more things or to express the highest degree. The superlative is formed by adding -st to the adjective. For example, “klein” becomes “kleinst” (smallest).

2. Formation of Comparatives and Superlatives

Regular adjectives follow the rules described above, but irregular adjectives have different forms that need to be learned independently.
Irregular adjectives include “groß” (big), which becomes “größer” (bigger) in the comparative and “größt” (biggest) in the superlative.
When adjectives end in -er or -el, only an -r or -st is added for the comparative and superlative forms, respectively.

3. Using Comparatives in Sentences

Comparatives are typically used with “als” (than) to compare two entities.
For example, “Er ist größer als ich” means “He is taller than me”.
To indicate equality, use “so…wie” (as…as). Example: “Er ist so groß wie ich” means “He is as tall as I am”.

4. Using Superlatives in Sentences

When superlatives are used in a sentence, they usually have “am” before and “-sten” at the end. Example: “sie ist am größten” (she is the tallest).
However, when the adjective is directly used before a noun, we drop “am” and “-sten”. Example: “Das ist der größte Baum” (That is the tallest tree).

5. Understanding Exceptions

Some common adjectives have irregular comparative and superlative forms. Examples: “gut” (good) becomes “besser” (better) in the comparative and “best” (best) in the superlative.
“Viel” (much) becomes “mehr” (more) and “meist” (most), while “wenig” (little) becomes “weniger” (less) and “wenigst” (least).

6. Comparative/Superlative Errors to Avoid

Be careful not to confuse the comparative and superlative forms.
Double-check the spelling of irregular adjective forms as they are commonly mistaken.
When using superlatives, ensure the correct usage of “am” and “-sten”.
Regular practice will help solidify your understanding of comparing adjectives in German.