Deutsch · A2 · grammar · 4 minutes
Comparatives and superlatives
Compare with -er + als and express the highest degree with am…-sten.
Understand the choice
German comparison distinguishes inequality with als from equality with so…wie. Some common adjectives change their vowel or use an irregular form, but the sentence frame remains stable.
Core rule: Most adjectives form the comparative with -er and use als; adverbial/predicate superlatives use am + -sten.
Notice it in context
Der Zug ist schneller als der Bus, aber das Fahrrad ist am günstigsten.
The train is faster than the bus, but the bicycle is the least expensive.
Schneller compares two vehicles with als; am günstigsten gives the highest degree on the price scale.
Meine Wohnung ist größer als deine.
My apartment is bigger than yours.
Groß takes umlaut in größer; deine replaces Wohnung.
Heute ist es so warm wie gestern.
Today it is as warm as yesterday.
Equality uses so + adjective + wie, not als.
What to remember
- Gut becomes besser and am besten; viel becomes mehr and am meisten.
- The attributive superlative takes adjective endings: der schnellste Zug.
Common trap: Do not use wie after a comparative of inequality: schneller als, but so schnell wie.