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Comparative and Superlative Adjectives

Comparative adjectives express a higher degree of a particular quality, whereas superlative adjectives express the highest degree. In order to create comparative adjectives in English, we add "-er" to the end of shorter adjectives (such as "cheaper") or add “more” in front of longer adjectives (“more expensive”). In German, -er is added to all adjectives regardless of how many syllables they have. Mehr is never used for this purpose. 

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„Nichts leichter als das", antwortete Frederick.

"Nothing easier than that!" answered Frederick.

Caption 4, Piggeldy und Frederick - Arm

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Aber was noch viel wichtiger ist als der Saft zum Frühstück, ist natürlich der Kaffee.

But what's far more important for breakfast than juice is, of course, coffee.

Caption 14, Jenny beim Frühstück - Teil 1

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Superlative adjectives in English either have "-est" at the end or are preceded by the adjective “most” ("cheapest," "the most expensive"). In German, the suffix -ste or -sten is used, depending on the declension. Take note: Putting meist in front of an adjective will give it a fully different meaning (similar to "mostly"). 

 

Das ist das schönste Gefühl auf der Welt.

That is the most beautiful feeling in the world.

Caption 66, Kinotipp - Kokowääh

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Am einfachsten ist es bei Papier und Pappe.

It is easiest with paper and cardboard.

Caption 11, Eva erklärt - Mülltrennung

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Jeden Tag trug die Prinzessin die schönsten Gewänder und den teuersten Schmuck

Every day the Princess wore the most beautiful garments and the most expensive jewelry

Captions 7-8, Märchen - Sagenhaft - König Drosselbart

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BANNER PLACEHOLDER

Further Learning
When you learn a new adjective on Yabla German, take a moment to learn its comparative and superlative forms. Keep in mind that there are irregular forms where a slight spelling change (such as an umlaut) is required. Take a look at this table for some examples.

At the Table

This week, for our beginners, we'll go over the elements of a place setting at the table. First, let's review the different utensils (das Besteck):

BANNER PLACEHOLDER

Ich brauche zum Essen noch eine Gabel.

In order to eat I need a fork.

Eine Gabel... und ein Messer.

A fork... and a knife.

Caption 21, Zu Besuch bei Jenny - In der Wohnung

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Nein, einen großen Löffel brauche ich nicht,

No, I don't need large spoon,

denn ich esse keine Suppe und auch keine Soße.

since I'm not eating any soup or any sauce either.

Caption 23, Zu Besuch bei Jenny - In der Wohnung

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Generally, all of these can be described as groß or klein. Just make sure you have the correct declension. The same is the case for der Teller – we can say ein großer Teller or ein kleiner Teller. 

 

... und dann hat man nicht nur was Buntes auf dem Teller,

... and then you not only have something colorful on the plate,

sondern es schmeckt hoffentlich auch den kleinen Feinschmeckern.

but, hopefully, it'll even taste good to the little gourmets.

Captions 47-48, Kochhaus Berlin - Kochen mit Kindern

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Here you can see the way different types of bowls are described. Generally, eine Schüssel will be a larger bowl, even a serving or mixing bowl, while eine Schale is smaller and intended for an individual. If it's very small, you can also say ein Schälchen.

 

Wir schütten den Teig in eine Schüssel oder in einen Suppenteller.

We'll pour the batter into a bowl or into a soup plate.

Caption 27, Apfelpfannkuchen - mit Alina und Sabine

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Dann gibt dir jemand 'ein Schälchen Vanille-Pudding,

Then someone gives you a small bowl of vanilla pudding,

dann freust du dich da drüber...

then you are happy about it...

Captions 22-23, Helge Schneider - Auf der Bühne geht's mir gut

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You probably already know the difference between eine Tasse and ein Glas, but this list wouldn't be complete without it. Both examples below remind us that when translating "a cup of" or "a glass of," the "of" is dropped in the German version:

 

Kommt mal mit. Wir machen jetzt mal eine Tasse Kaffee für mich.

Come along. We'll make a cup of coffee for me.

Caption 16, Jenny beim Frühstück - Teil 1

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Willst du erst mal ein Glas Wasser trinken? -Ja, gerne. Danke schön.

Do you first want to drink a glass of water? -Yes, gladly. Thank you.

Caption 11, Fine - sucht eine Wohnung

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BANNER PLACEHOLDER

Further Learning
Review the gender for each of these words and look for how declensions are created in typical sentences on Yabla German. For more vocabulary, you can also take a look at this list

All You Need Is Liebe

Did you know that the Beatles, owing in part to the time they spent in Hamburg at the start of their career, released a version of "She Loves You” in German? Its title is „Sie liebt dich.

The German noun and verb for love (Liebe, lieben) are used with more variety of meaning than “love” in English. So, liebe (dear) Yabla subscribers, let’s see all of the different ways we can make love work for us in German!

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As illustrated above, the adjective liebe/lieber (dear) is used as an informal form of address. We see this usage in the following Yabla video, starting at the very top: with God.

 

Du lieber Gott, welchen Weg müssten die denn abends zurücklegen,

Dear God, which way would they have to travel in the evening,

wenn Köln Gulu wäre?

if Cologne were Gulu [a city in Uganda]?

Caption 47, World Vision - Wolfgang Niedecken

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Working our way down from God to tattoo exhibitions, we find: 

 

Liebe Zuschauer, es fand eine Tattoo-Ausstellung in Frankfurt im Hotel "Roomers" statt.

Dear viewers, a tattoo exhibition took place in Frankfurt at the Hotel Roomers.

Caption 1, Tätowierungen - Tattoo-Ausstellung

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If you would prefer your Liebe to mean more than merely "dear," listen to how Thomas uses a variation of the root word (lieb) to mean “rather” or “preferably”:

 

Aber ich glaube, ich nehm' mir lieber ein Taxi.

But I believe I'd rather take a taxi.

Caption 49, Melanie und Thomas - treffen sich

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This can work to express superlative preferences as well: 

 

Am liebsten vermutlich eine Sendung...

Most preferably, presumably, a broadcast...

Caption 54, Frauenfußball-WM - Der Bundespräsident am Ball

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If you prefer popularity to love, add the be- prefix for a refreshing change of meaning:

 

Orangensaft ist sehr beliebt in Deutschland.

Orange juice is very popular in Germany.

Caption 12, Jenny beim Frühstück - Teil 1

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Add -haber to lieb to stir up some enthusiasm:

 

Machst du ja auch Auftragswerke für Kunden oder für Interessent'... äh, Kunstliebhaber?

You also indeed do commissions for customers or for those interested... uh, art enthusiasts?

Caption 2, Lokalhelden - Art House

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Liebhaber can also mean “lover” in the more intimate sense:

Tristan und Isolde waren Liebhaber.

Tristan and Isolda were lovers.

And in the end, it is best to make love, even while preparing for war:

 

In zwei Sekunden Frieden stiften, Liebe machen und Feind vergiften...

In two seconds make peace, make love, and poison the enemy...

Caption 3, Andreas Bourani - Alles nur in meinem Kopf

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BANNER PLACEHOLDER

So you see that in German, the word for “love” (Liebe) is the basis for a number of different expressions ranging from “dear” to “preferably” to “enthusiast” to the actual object of one’s desire. 

Vocabulary