Comparative (1)

Emma, isst du gern Tomatensuppe?
Ja, ich esse gern Tomatensuppe.

Two pictures side by side: Emma with a neutral expression; tomato soup
null DW


Aber ich esse lieber Nudeln.

Two pictures side by side: Emma smiles, a pasta dish
null DW

 

Und am liebsten esse ich Pizza.

Two pictures side by side: Emma laughs, a pizza
null DW

 

Adjectives and some adverbs can take different forms to express a higher level or the highest level of a quality or characteristic. In this way, two or more people or things can be compared. There are three levels of comparison:

The positive is the basic form and describes a feature.

Der Kaffee in der Cafeteria schmeckt gut.

The comparative form uses this feature to rank or compare two people or things. It makes clear that one is considered superior in respect of this quality.

Aber im Café „Zum Glück“ schmeckt der Kaffee besser.

The superlative expresses the belief that something or someone has achieved the highest level of a particular quality.

Im Restaurant von Max und Tarek schmeckt der Kaffee am besten.

 

The comparative forms of the following words are irregular: gern, gut and viel

Positive + gern
Comparative ++ lieber
Superlative +++ am liebsten


 

Positive + gut
Comparative ++ besser
Superlative +++ am besten

 

Positive + viel
Comparative ++ mehr
Superlative +++ am meisten

 

Grammatical terms in German:

der Positiv: The positive is the basic form of the adjective. It is used to describe a feature of a person or thing, e.g. gut.

der Komparativ: The comparative form of the adjective is used to show a ranking, e.g. besser.

der Superlativ: The superlative is the highest form of comparison and ranking of an adjective. This form expresses that a person or thing possesses the highest level of a quality, e.g. am besten.