The comparison of adjectives (Steigerung) in German has three degrees: positive (basic form), comparative (comparing two things), and superlative (the highest degree). German forms comparatives with -er and an optional "als" (than). It forms superlatives with -sten/-ste and sometimes an "am".

Comparative Formation

The comparative is formed by adding -er to the positive form of the adjective. Unlike English, German never uses "mehr" (more) with adjectives to form the comparative.

Superlative Formation

The superlative has two forms: predicative (used after verbs) with am ... -sten, and attributive (before nouns) with -ste plus adjective endings.

Adjectives ending in -d, -t, -s, -ß, -x, or -z add an extra -e- in front of -st.

Adjectives with Umlauts

Many (not all) one-syllable adjectives with the vowels a, o, or u take an umlaut (ä, ö, ü) in both comparative and superlative forms. Here are some examples:

Irregular Forms

Some adjectives have completely irregular comparative and superlative forms that must be memorized. Here are the most important ones:

Special Spelling Rules

Adjectives ending in -el or -er drop the e in the comparative form (but keep it in the superlative).

Declension of Comparative & Superlative

When used attributively (before nouns), both comparative and superlative adjectives take the same endings as regular adjectives according to case, gender, and number.

→ Learn more about Adjective Declension

Comparative Declension

Superlative Declension