🎓 Prepared by students from Boğaziçi University

What are Comparative Adjectives in German?

Comparative adjectives in German compare two people, objects, or ideas — showing that one has more of a quality than another. To form comparatives, add the suffix -er to the adjective base and apply the appropriate case endings. These comparisons are everyday language, used constantly to describe preferences and differences.

Short answer

Comparative adjectives in German compare two things by adding -er to the base adjective (schön → schöner, gross → grösser). Use them with the article and case endings that match the noun: Der rote Auto ist schneller als das blaue Auto.

Comparative Formation: Base vs. Comparative

x: Adjective Type · y: ExamplePositiveComparative (+er)

Step-by-step worked examples

Form the comparative: gross (big). Sentence: The elephant is _____ than the mouse.

Add -er to the base: gross → grösser.
Sentence: Der Elefant ist grösser als die Maus.

Form the comparative: schnell (fast). The car is _____ than the bicycle.

Add -er: schnell → schneller.
Sentence: Das Auto ist schneller als das Fahrrad.

Form the comparative: jung (young). Lisa is _____ than Marco.

Add -er: jung → jünger (umlaut added for quality).
Sentence: Lisa ist jünger als Marco.

Flashcards

Quick quiz

Q1.Form comparative of 'alt' (old).

Correct answer: B. Alt has an umlaut change: alt → älter.

Q2.Comparative sentence structure uses ___.

Correct answer: C. Als = than. 'Das Haus ist grösser als die Hütte.'

Q3.Form comparative of 'schön' (beautiful).

Correct answer: B. schön → schöner (no umlaut; -er suffix).

Q4.The tall man is taller than the short man. In German?

Correct answer: A. Correct form + no umlaut needed for gross/grosse adjective form in nominative.

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Common mistakes

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Ignoring umlauts in comparative formation. — Correct: alt → älter, gross → grösser, lang → länger (umlauts matter).

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Using 'dan' instead of 'als' for comparison. — Correct: German uses 'als' for than — never 'dan'.

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Forgetting to add case endings to the comparative adjective. — Correct: Comparatives still get endings like positive adjectives: der schönere Mann.

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Writing comparatives as separate words. — Correct: schön + er = schöner (one word, not two).

FAQ

What is a comparative adjective?

An adjective that compares two things — comparing who/what has more of a quality.

How to form German comparatives?

Add -er to the base: schön → schöner. Umlauts often appear: alt → älter, gross → grösser.

When do umlauts appear in comparatives?

Commonly with one-syllable adjectives with a, o, u: alt/älter, gross/grösser, jung/jünger.

Comparison word in German?

'Als' = than. Sentence: X ist schöner als Y.