The superlative (Superlativ) is one of the important concepts we need to remember when learning German. The Superlativ is the superlative form of an adjective (Adjektiv) or adverb (Adverb) in German.
The superlative (Superlativ) is one of the important concepts we need to remember when learning German. The Superlativ is the superlative form of an adjective (Adjektiv) or adverb (Adverb) in German, used to express the highest degree of a characteristic, state, or quality of a person, thing, or action: Martin ist am jüngsten. (Martin is the youngest.). However, there are some points to keep in mind when using the superlative. In today's article, we will explore together the structure of the superlative, how to use it, and notes on this form of comparison.
Let's get started!!!
1. How to form the superlative
- In general, to transform an adjective/adverb in German into the superlative form, you use the following formula: am + Adj/Adv_sten
billig → am billigsten
schnell → am schnellsten
langweilig → am langweiligsten
- For adjectives/adverbs ending in d, t, s, ß, x, z, you must add e before –sten.
leicht → am leichtesten
leicht → am leichtesten
!!! Except for the case groß → am größten
- Single-syllable adjectives/adverbs containing the vowels a, o, u must add an Umlaut when converted to the superlative form.
arm → am ärmsten
jung → am jüngsten
lang → am längsten
warm → am wärmsten
- Some SPECIAL cases:
gut → am besten
viel → am meisten
gern → am liebsten
2. The superlative can be used as a noun when written with a capital letter.
Nouns derived from the superlative in this way typically take the neuter gender Das. For example:
Das ist das Beste, was wir tun können.
(This is the best thing we can do.)3. When the superlative does not stand alone but accompanies a noun to describe it, we drop am and drop the –en ending from -sten. Only keep: adjective/adverb + (-e)st and then decline the adjective ending accordingly.
am besten → am besten
Er ist mein bester Freund. (der Freund)
(He is my best friend.)
4. There are cases where the superlative cannot be used, for example with adjectives such as tot, voll, leer,...
!!!Note regarding the case of schwarz: If schwarz is used to mean the color black, the comparative or superlative cannot be used, but if schwarz is used to mean a sad or terrible state, comparisons can be applied as in the following example:
Gestern erlebte er den schwärzesten Tag seiner Karriere.
(Yesterday he experienced the most terrible (darkest) day of his career.)
Knowledge test
Key points to note with the superlative (Superativ)
- 1.
Linda ist 9 Jahre alt, Max ist 8 Jahre alt und Leo ist 12 Jahre alt.
- 2.
Ich mag Musik, aber ich mag _________ Balladen. (gern)